Common Eating Disorder Myths
“Eating Disorders are a serious mental illness and have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness. Currently around 4% of the Australian population is experiencing an eating disorder.”
For many of us, the term eating disorder may make us think of somebody suffering with anorexia or maybe bulimia. However, it is important to understand that eating disorders can take many forms. Below are some common myths about eating disorders.
Myth
Dieting is a normal part of life; everybody does it.
Fact
While many of us may have tried many diets across our lifetime and think that this is a normal part of life. In fact, dieting practices are unhealthy across any life-stage and can be associated with other health concerns including depression, anxiety, nutritional and metabolic problems. Research shows that young people who diet moderately are six times more likely to develop an eating disorder; and those who are severe dieters are eighteen times more likely to develop an eating disorder.
Myth
Eating disorders only affect female teenagers.
Fact
While it is true that the peak period for the onset of eating disorders is between the ages of 12 and 25, eating disorders can affect anyone. Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, genders and cultures.
Myth
You can tell by looking at somebody that they have an Eating Disorder.
Fact
Like many mental health conditions you cannot tell by looking at somebody that they have an eating disorder. Eating disorders affect people who are considered underweight, healthy weight and overweight. Everybody’s eating disorder will be different however there are some common signs that you can look out for;
Someone who has a preoccupation or obsession with eating, food, body weight and body shape.
Someone who may feel anxious, irritable or out of control around food or mealtimes or may even avoid eating with other people.
Someone who has black and white thinking around food, labelling foods as “good” or “bad” or “allowed” or “not allowed”
Someone who uses strict dieting behaviour, eliminating entire food groups or food types, fasting or counting calories obsessively.
Someone making frequent trips to the bathroom during or shortly after meals.
Someone compulsively exercising, even during bad weather or when injured.
Myth
Eating Disorders are for Life.
Fact
Eating disorders are treatable. It can be scary and is hard work however recovery is possible at every stage. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder and would like support during your recovery, please give us a call and make an appointment with one of our Dietitians.
Written by
Mikaela Joyes
Mikaela Joyes has been a dietitian at Solutions with Food for almost five years now. Over that time Mikaela has built a reputation as a dietitian that helps her clients achieve their goals. Mikaela specialises in areas of weight loss & eating disorders as well as pregnancy & women nutrition. Mikaela consults at Redcliffe, Scarborough, Deception Bay & North Lakes.
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