Eating Disorder Myths: Debunked
10 Common Myths
Myth #1: People who are normal or overweight can not have eating disorders.
It is difficult to predict whether
or not someone has an eating disorder because not all eating disorders are determined by the size and
weight of a person. In the case of anorexia, an eating disorder may be easier to detect due to the presence
of thinness. However, an eating disorder is not always easy to detect based on weight. Bulimics tend to
be at an average, or even above average, weight. Compulsive overeaters are typically overweight rather than underweight.
If you find that you or a loved one may have an eating disorder, an eating disorder residential center
may be of assistance. These residential centers address a variety of eating disorders and often have
special bulimia programs, anorexia treatment therapy or offer assisstance for binge eaters.
Myth #2: Only teenagers are affected by eating
disorders.
Eating disorder can
occur at any age. This myth may be common because approximately 86% of sufferers are under the age of 20.
Myth #3: Eating disorders are not life threatening.
Every eating disorder can be potentially life threatening
if not treated in time or with the proper care. Even if death does not occur, permanent physical and
neurological damage can happen. These complications include heart disease, a ruptured esophagus, diabetes,
cancer and stroke. An eating disorder is a life threatening disorder, which is why so many eating disorder
treatment clinics are available today.
Myth #4: All
bulimics purge by self-induced vomiting.
Bulimics
typically binge and purge, but sufferers do not always purge by self-induced vomiting. In some cases
over exercising, fasting, or diuretics and laxatives are used. Bulimia clinics are open to offer hope to people
with bulimia as they are brought to recovery.
Myth
#5: Laxatives prevent calorie absorption.
Many
people with eating disorders, primarily those in need of bulimia help, use laxatives. These laxatives
are used in an attempt to rush food out of the body before its calories are absorbed. In reality, laxatives
begin their work in the body’s colon where calories can not even be absorbed. Laxatives only assist
in draining the body of its necessary fluids and in causing colon problems.
Myth #6: Compulsive overeaters have no self-control and are lazy.
Compulsive overeaters are not lazy or merely people
without self control. For most compulsive eaters, food is used as a way of coping with stressful situations
or overwhelming emotions. Just like any other eating disorder, compulsive overeaters need assistance and a helpful
eating disorder treatment center.
Myth
#7: You can never exercise too much.
While
in most cases exercise can be very beneficial, too much exercise, and not enough calorie absorption in
the body, is harmful. Excessive exercise can be very unhealthy causing problems such as stress fractures,
chronic pain, osteoporosis, menstrual dysfunction and even death.
Myth #8: It is impossible to have more than one eating disorder.
The assumption that someone can only have one eating
disorder is completely false. Many people have more than one eating disorder. For those people who have
symptoms of more than one type of eating disorder, or who do not specifically fit the criteria for one, they may be
classified as a separate type of eating disorder. This eating disorder is titled EDNOS, and is used for
those with more than one type of eating disorder.
Myth
#9: Those with eating disorders are vain.
While
an eating disorder may start out as a form of dieting, eating disorders are far more than acts of vanity.
Often, eating disorders are coping mechanisms used to deal with stress, anxiety, self-hatred, control
issues and shame. Eating disorders are not about a struggle with vanity, but rather a distraction from
the problems of life. A good eating disorder residential program will assist its patients with these
psychological problems as well as with any physical ones.
Myth
#10: Only women can be affected by eating disorders.
Women
are not the only ones who can suffer from eating disorders. In fact, 1 in 10 cases of eating disorders affect
men.
