Myth busters: The truth about eating disorders

The three types of eating disorders that people know the most about are:

• Anorexia, or severely restricting calorie intake with low body weight
• Bulimia, or repetitive bouts of overeating followed by purging, extreme exercise, or food restriction
• Binge eating, or eating a lot more food than is healthy

However, eating disorders can take many forms and may affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. These conditions are serious mental health disorders that often require professional treatment and support.

Despite increased awareness, many misconceptions about eating disorders remain. Understanding the facts can help people recognize the signs, support loved ones, and seek appropriate care when needed.

Myth #1: Only teenagers get eating disorders

False: Eating disorders affect people of all ages. Although they are often associated with teenagers and young adults, eating disorders can develop in children, adults, and older adults. It’s important to watch for signs of disordered eating in family members of any age, especially during periods of stress or major life changes.

Myth #2: Only girls get eating disorders

False: Eating disorders are not limited to girls or women. They can affect people of all genders. Factors such as body image concerns, social pressures, athletics, and media influences can contribute to disordered eating behaviors. Recognizing the signs and seeking help early is important for everyone.

Myth #3: Eating disorders are just a phase

False: Providers and researchers can’t pinpoint the exact cause of eating disorders, but we do know they are serious disorders that you don’t just “grow out of.” They affect people from all kinds of backgrounds and cultures.

Myth #4: You can easily tell if someone has an eating disorder

False: Sometimes people think that it’s easy to spot someone with an eating disorder because they look really thin. But, statistics show that only a small percentage of people with eating disorders are considered underweight.

Myth #5: Getting better from an eating disorder is as simple as eating more

False: Eating disorders are a mental health issue that can be impacted by things like depression, ADHD, and anxiety. Because there are many different kinds of eating disorders with many contributing factors, treating an eating disorder involves treating the whole person. The important thing to know is that these disorders are treatable, especially if they’re caught early.

Significant changes in eating habits may signal an eating disorder. If you’re worried about a child, friend, or loved one, there are a few signs you can watch for:

• Skipping meals
• Not eating certain food groups
• Calorie counting
• Avoiding eating in front of others
• Exercising more than what’s appropriate
• Dramatic weight changes
• Dizziness or tired a lot
• More anxious, depressed, or expecting themselves to be perfect

It’s important for parents and friends not to ignore the signs because early intervention is critical.

While eating disorders can arise at any age, parents and caregivers can play a big role in helping children foster a healthy relationship with food from a young age.

When people visit my office at Holston Medical Group, I recommend that they talk to kids about their overall health and well-being rather than their weight or appearance. Avoid using words like “fat” and “thin,” or calling food “good” or “bad.” Instead, focus on nutrition and feeding the body to be healthy and give us energy. Let kids know that all foods are okay in moderation.

I remind parents that it’s important to model healthy eating habits. Kids will eat what their parents eat, so make sure that everyone is following healthy and nutritious meal plans. Parents should try to make mealtimes positive, family-focused, and interactive. Let kids help plan and cook meals to make family meals fun!

We also have to pay attention to social media, which puts a lot of pressure on people to look and act certain ways. I encourage parents to be aware of how their children are using social media and explain to them that social media is like a highlight reel—it’s not real life! We can openly discuss that it isn’t safe for people to compare themselves with what they see on a screen.

HMG pediatricians like me are lucky that we get to see kids at least once each year at a regular check-up. We watch for many of the signs I mentioned earlier: drastic changes in weight or making negative comments about their bodies. We ask kids about foods they eat and exercise, to be sure they are thinking about eating in a healthy way, even from a young age.

If you’re worried about your child showing signs of an eating disorder, you don’t have to wait until a yearly exam. Schedule an appointment online with your HMG provider, or find one near you if you’re a new patient.

The good news is that eating disorders can be treated. HMG is here through it all for you, and we can bring together a team of specialists and providers to support your loved one and your family.