Busting Myths About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are a medical condition that is more prevalent in our communities than we realize. It is estimated that 8.4% of females and 2.2% of males experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime, with the majority of these cases starting during the teenage and early adulthood years. Eating disorders have a far-reaching impact on the body and can cause significant damage to the body’s major organs in a short period of time. Looking specifically at anorexia (one type of eating disorder), young people between the ages of 15 and 24 with anorexia have 10 times the risk of dying compared to their same-aged peers.
Many myths exist about eating disorders, which often lead to individuals not seeking help, or family members underestimating the seriousness of the disorder. It is important to educate the public on the facts about eating disorders and create awareness of this important topic, to reduce the negative impact of eating disorders on individuals, families, and communities.
Fact #1 - Eating disorders are not a choice. Eating disorders are serious medical illnesses, with many underlying factors. Genetics, environmental factors, and social influences can all strongly influence eating disorders, but it is important to know an eating disorder is far more than simply eating less to try to fit in. Eating disorders are a true medical illness, not a trend or a plea for attention.
Fact #2 - Eating disorders are serious and can be fatal. Eating disorders have the HIGHEST mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, yet we rarely hear about this. In addition to the medical complications from binge eating, purging (throwing up), starvation, and over-exercise, suicide is also common among individuals with eating disorders. People who struggle with eating disorders have intense emotional distress, which greatly impacts their quality of life.
Fact #3 - Eating disorders can affect anyone. Eating disorders are experienced by people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and genders.
Fact #4 - You cannot tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them. A person experiencing an eating disorder can be any size or weight.
Fact #5 - Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Many people with eating disorders achieve a full recovery, with appropriate treatment and time. Treatment for eating disorders often includes medical care, nutrition counseling, individual and group therapy, and use of medications. It is important to seek medical care early and not just assume an eating disorder is something the person will “grow out of”. Damage done to important organs in the body cannot always be undone; seeking care early is critical to a full, healthy recovery.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is a great resource. The NEDA Helpline is available for support, resources, and treatment options. The NEDA Helpline can be accessed through their website, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org, or by calling 1-800-931-2237. If you are in crisis and need help immediately, text “NEDA” to 741741 to be connected with a trained volunteer at the Crisis Text Line, which provides free, 24/7 support via text message to individuals who are struggling with mental health, including eating disorders.
Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.
