Eating disorders (EDs) affect an estimated 28.8 million Americans in their lifetime, yet many people still misunderstand what they are and how they impact individuals. Misinformation and common myths about eating disorders can delay diagnosis, prevent people from seeking help, and cause further emotional harm to those already struggling.
To promote awareness, reduce stigma, and support early intervention, let’s explore six of the most common myths about eating disorders—and the facts behind them.
1. Myth: Eating Disorders Are Just About Food
Fact: While eating disorders involve disordered eating behaviors, they are not simply about food. At their core, EDs are complex mental health conditions often driven by deep-rooted emotional distress, low self-esteem, trauma, or a need for control. They commonly involve obsessive thoughts about weight, body image, and calorie intake, as well as behaviors like excessive exercise, food rituals, or purging.
Telling someone to “just eat more” or “be happy with their body” often minimizes the underlying mental health challenges. Effective treatment for eating disorders involves working with a licensed therapist, often through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to address the root causes of these behaviors and reframe negative thought patterns.
2. Myth: Only Women Get Eating Disorders
Fact: Eating disorders affect people of all genders. While women are more frequently diagnosed, studies show that about one in three people with an ED is male. Unfortunately, the stigma around male mental health—especially in regard to body image and eating disorders—causes many men to suffer in silence and avoid seeking treatment.
Increasing awareness and eliminating gender-based stereotypes are key to helping more men access life-saving eating disorder treatment.
3. Myth: Only Underweight People Have Eating Disorders
Fact: Eating disorders affect people of all body sizes. Many individuals with EDs maintain what appears to be a “normal” or even above-average weight. Disorders like binge eating disorder (BED), bulimia nervosa, and atypical anorexia can occur without extreme weight loss or visible signs.
Focusing only on appearance can lead to delayed diagnosis and improper care. Healthcare providers, parents, and loved ones should look beyond weight and be aware of behavioral signs such as food restriction, body dissatisfaction, or secretive eating habits.
4. Myth: Eating Disorders Are a Choice
Fact: No one chooses to have an eating disorder. These conditions are driven by a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Like addiction, eating disorders can feel compulsive and difficult to control.
Suggesting that someone is choosing their disorder is not only inaccurate but can also invalidate their experience and create barriers to recovery. Recovery from an ED often requires professional mental health treatment, nutritional counseling, and ongoing support.
5. Myth: Children Are Too Young to Have Eating Disorders
Fact: Eating disorders can develop at any age—including early childhood. While children may exhibit picky eating behaviors as part of normal development, ongoing signs of food preoccupation, body dissatisfaction, or restrictive eating may indicate something more serious.
Early intervention is key. If your child shows concerning behaviors related to food, body image, or exercise, consult with a pediatrician or mental health professional experienced in treating eating disorders.
6. Myth: Eating Disorders Are About Seeking Attention
Fact: Most people with eating disorders go to great lengths to hide their behaviors and avoid attention. Compliments about weight loss or appearance in the early stages can reinforce disordered behaviors, but individuals with EDs often feel shame, fear, or anxiety around their bodies.
As the disorder progresses, many try to conceal physical changes by wearing loose clothing or withdrawing from social settings. EDs are rooted in emotional pain—not attention-seeking. Compassion and understanding go much further than judgment.
Final Thoughts
Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening mental health conditions—not lifestyle choices. By busting harmful myths and spreading accurate information, we create a more supportive environment for people affected by EDs and encourage them to seek the help they deserve.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t wait. Professional support is available.
Looking to learn more? Contact 3Cs Counseling Center to speak with a licensed therapist or explore our mental health resources. Early intervention can be life-changing.
