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Four Myths About Eating Disorders

There are many myths about eating disorders and eating disorder recovery. Unfortunately, these misunderstandings might serve as a barrier for people who would benefit from treatment at eating disorder treatment centers. Parents may believe eating disorder behaviors in their teen are the result of a harmless fad. They may think their teen will get over it without specialized eating disorder treatment. In reality, eating disorders are serious illnesses heavily influenced by genetic factors. They are also challenging to overcome without specialized eating disorder recovery treatment.

When a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, it is important to notice the warning signs and get them help. Eating disorder treatment centers can help a teen on the path to recovery from an eating disorder. However, there can be barriers to treatment when there are so many misconceptions surrounding eating disorders. There is a common belief that eating disorders only affect young, white females. That’s not true. Approximately one in every three people who have an eating disorder is male. Additionally, one study by researchers at the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders found that 13 percent of American women over the age of 50 experience symptoms of an eating disorder. Here are some other common myths surrounding eating disorders in teens.

#1 Eating Disorders Are Caused By Culture

Scientists have found that eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa have a strong genetic basis. This dispels the myth that eating disorders in teens are caused by societal or parental pressure to be thin. Although the environment probably does play some role, it is not the sole cause of an eating disorder. It is a unique combination of biological, genetic, social and environmental factors that result in these disorders. It is essential to understand that eating disorders are not a choice and not something that an adolescent or teen will grow out of.

#2 Eating Disorders Are Not That Serious

Eating disorders in teens are severe. They involve obsessive thoughts about food and harmful behaviors. Without treatment, eating disorders can be deadly. In fact, anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder. Other eating disorders like bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder also have high mortality rates. The potential consequences of an eating disorder include heart attack or heart failure, electrolyte imbalances, liver damage, kidney failure, seizures, coma, suicide and death from health complications.

#3 It Is Easy To Tell If Someone Has An Eating Disorder

In pop culture, people with eating disorders are often portrayed as being extremely thin. There is a misconception that people with eating disorders cannot also be of a perceived normal weight or in a larger body. Eating disorders can be diagnosed at any weight. People with bulimia nervosa often have fluctuations in weight or may be at an average weight for their height based on body mass index (BMI) standards.

#4 Eating Disorders Are Only About Food

Eating disorders are complex illnesses that involve a variety of symptoms. They are not only about food or dieting. Although an adolescent or teen may be preoccupied with food and calories, there are additional symptoms, including:

  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Sleep problems
  • Extreme sensitivity to criticism or feedback
  • Problematic, distorted thoughts
  • Constant feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment

Parents who believe their teen might have an eating disorder should seek professional eating disorder recovery treatment right away. Research studies have found that early intervention is best when it comes to eating disorders. With the proper treatment and support, an adolescent or teen with an eating disorder can become fully recovered.