Myths or Truths

Eating Disorders (ED’s) are a lifestyle choice? Myth – No. People do not choose to have an ED.

ED’s are moderate to severe mental illnesses and can effect anyone. They are characterised by disturbances in behavioural thinking around food, eating, weight, and or shape. They include a wide spectrum of illness and can be life threatening.

Everyone who diets develops an ED? Myth-Not everyone who diets will develop an ED, yet many may develop disordered eating behaviours.

• Disordered eating and ED are the same. Myth- No. Although the behaviours can be the same, they are less severe and occur less frequently in an individual with disordered eating.
• Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the highest incidence of all ED’s. Truth- 50% of individuals with an ED have BED, 12% BN, 4% AN.
• Eating disorders don’t affect males. Myth- Males are 8 time less likely to seek help due to the shame and stigma.
• Eating disorders will go away by themselves. Myth- Seeking early treatment improves outcomes and recovery.
• Diets don’t work. Truth- Dieting behaviours may achieve initial weight loss but by 2-3 years most people have regained more weight than they initially were able to lose.
• If my weight/Body Mass Index (BMI) is within ‘the recommended range’ then I won’t have an issue with eating, weight or body image. Myth- You do not need to be above or below recommended body weight targets to have an ED or disordered eating behaviours.
• The risk factors for ED’s include;
  • Low self-esteem,
  • genetics,
  • depression,
  • anxiety,
  • ineffective copying styles,
  • poor body image,
  • dieting,
  • traumatic life events,
  • perfectionism,
  • and abuse.