Did you know that eating disorders are serious medical conditions, not just a choice people make to limit what they eat?
The three types of eating disorder 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
But according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), there are 11 types of eating disorders, and all are considered mental illnesses that won’t go away without treatment.
In fact, about 1 in 10 people in the U.S. will have an eating disorder at some point in their life. Even though they’re common, there are still a lot of myths about eating disorders and sometimes it’s hard to tell fact from fiction. So, here are the truths behind some common myths.
Myth #1: Only Teenagers Get Eating Disorders
TRUTH: Eating disorders affect people of all ages. Although it often appears in high school or college age people, I now see it in children who are middle school age and younger. As many as 22% of children or teens will struggle with eating disorders, but it is also an issue that impacts older adults. It’s important to watch all family members for signs of an eating disorder, especially after big life changes that might trigger one, like the death of a loved one or an injury.
Myth #2: Only Girls Get Eating Disorders
TRUTH: Eating disorders aren’t just a problem for girls—they can affect boys too. About 9% of girls and 4% of boys may have an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Boys can feel pressure to worry about their weight because of things like sports, social media, or trends. For example, some boys choose supplements instead of real food, thinking it will help them reach their fitness goals better.
Myth #3: Eating Disorders Are Just a Phase
TRUTH: 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
TRUTH: Sometimes people think that it’s easy to spot someone with an eating disorder because they look really thin. But, statistics show that only 6% of people with eating disorders are considered underweight.
Myth #5: Getting Better from an Eating Disorder Is as Simple as Eating More
TRUTH: 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.
Common Signs of an Eating Disorder
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.
How to Help Someone With an Eating Disorder
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 (HMG), 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.
