Eating Disorders: The Truth
March 5, 2025 | Dana Harron
This is a repost of our blog originally posted in 2019.
Eating Disorders Myths Dispelled
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Many people have heard about eating disorders, but much of what they believe is actually incorrect. Why? Misinformation is widespread, often reinforced by movies and TV shows that highlight eating disorders without accurately portraying their complexity.
It’s common to assume that eating disorders stem from vanity, attention-seeking behaviors, or a lack of self-control. However, the reality is far more nuanced. These conditions are deeply rooted in emotional, psychological, and biological factors. Unfortunately, misconceptions about eating disorders become ingrained in society, making it easy to absorb these myths—sometimes without even realizing it.
Understanding the truth about eating disorders is essential for supporting those affected and breaking the stigma surrounding these serious mental health conditions. Stay tuned as we debunk common myths and explore the realities of eating disorder recovery.
Myth: Only Women Get Eating Disorders
Reality: Eating Disorders Affect All Genders
Eating disorders are often stereotyped as a “women’s issue,” but the reality is far more complex. One major misconception stems from older statistics, such as estimates from the National Eating Disorders Association, which report that 10% of individuals receiving treatment for eating disorders are male (American Addiction Centers, 2018). However, this has been misinterpreted to mean that only 10% of those struggling with eating disorders are men. In reality, research suggests that 25–40% of individuals with eating disorders are male (Hudson et al., 2007), yet many go undiagnosed or untreated due to the stigma surrounding eating disorders as a “girl’s disease” (Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, 2018).
Additionally, eating disorders in men often present differently than in women. While extreme thinness is commonly associated with eating disorders in females, men are often more focused on achieving a lean, muscular physique—an ideal reinforced by media and fitness culture. These differences in presentation can make recognition and diagnosis more challenging.
Eating disorders do not discriminate—they can affect anyone, regardless of gender. Raising awareness and breaking the stigma can help more men receive the support they need. If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out for professional help is a critical first step.
Additionally, trans and nonbinary folk are at significantly increased risk for eating disorders.
Myth: Only Teenagers Develop Eating Disorders
Reality: Eating Disorders Can Occur at Any Age
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Eating disorders in midlife are becoming increasingly common and are rising at an alarming rate. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), 13% of women over 50 experience disordered eating behaviors (Gagné et al., 2012). However, research on eating disorders in middle-aged men remains limited. Given the stigma and lack of awareness, it’s likely that eating disorders among men in midlife are far more common than widely believed.
Midlife brings unique stressors, including raising children, supporting aging parents, managing work pressures, and maintaining household responsibilities. In today’s culture, phrases like “fifty is the new thirty” amplify the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance and a certain body type. This expectation clashes with natural biological changes—such as a slowing metabolism, hormonal shifts, and different responses to food and exercise. For women, pregnancy and childbirth can dramatically alter the body, while for men, decreasing testosterone levels contribute to similar changes. Combined with societal messages about aging, these factors create a perfect storm for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors.
Eating disorders do not discriminate. They can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or background. The difference lies in who gets diagnosed and who receives treatment. Raising awareness and challenging misconceptions can help ensure that people of all ages get the support they need.
Myth: Only White People Experience Eating Disorders
Reality: Eating Disorders Affect All Races and Ethnicities
While different races and ethnicities may have varying cultural “body ideals”—with some embracing curvier body types more than others—this does not make any group immune to eating disorders. Eating disorders are not solely about body shape and size; they often develop as a way to cope with stress, negative self-perception, and emotional distress.
In dominant Western culture, where both a thin ideal (the belief that thinness is superior) and a white ideal are often reinforced, individuals from marginalized racial and ethnic groups may face even greater challenges. People of color who experience daily racism and discrimination may be at an increased risk for developing disordered eating behaviors as a response to these stressors.
Despite this, eating disorders in nonwhite populations are frequently overlooked. A 2013 review found that ethnic minorities were not only less likely to seek treatment for eating disorders, but were also significantly less likely to be referred to specialists by healthcare providers (Hudson et al., 2007). This lack of recognition and access to care underscores the need for greater awareness, improved diagnosis, and culturally competent treatment options for all individuals struggling with disordered eating.
Eating disorders do not discriminate, and neither should treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling, seeking support from a provider who understands the unique cultural factors at play can be a crucial step toward recovery.
Myth: Eating Disorders Are Just About Food
Reality: Eating Disorders are Deeply Rooted in Emotional and Psychological Factors
Eating disorders are not simply about food or weight—they are complex mental health conditions rooted in deep emotional and psychological struggles. For many, disordered eating behaviors develop as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, such as shame, anxiety, or a sense of inadequacy. Some individuals may use food as a means of control, while others may restrict, binge, or purge to numb difficult feelings or gain a fleeting sense of self-worth.
Many people with eating disorders develop rigid, unbreakable “food rules” that feel absolute—whether it’s not eating after a certain hour, never having seconds, or forcing themselves to exercise for a set amount of time. These behaviors are not just habits; they are driven by deeply ingrained emotional and psychological factors.
Because eating disorders go far beyond food, professional support is essential for recovery. A multidisciplinary team—including a therapist, dietitian, and medical provider—can help address both the emotional roots and the physical impact of the disorder, paving the way for true healing.
Myth: Eating Disorders Aren’t Dangerous
Reality: Eating Disorders Can Have Severe and Life-Threatening Consequences
The unfortunate reality is that eating disorders can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. The physical and psychological toll of these disorders can have devastating consequences on the body.
Restriction (not eating enough to meet the body’s needs) can lead to:
• Slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and even heart failure
• Osteoporosis (brittle bones) due to calcium deficiency
• Dehydration, which can cause kidney issues
• Malnutrition, which can worsen existing mental health conditions
Purging behaviors (such as self-induced vomiting or laxative misuse) can result in:
• Electrolyte imbalances, increasing the risk of heart failure
• Inflammation or rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting
• Gastrointestinal damage and severe dehydration, leading to kidney failure
• Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis
Binge eating disorder (BED) also carries serious health risks, including:
• High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes
• Potential gastric rupture—a life-threatening tear in the stomach due to overeating
Eating disorders are not just mental health conditions; they are serious medical conditions that require prompt treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling, seeking professional help can be life-saving.
Myth: People with Eating Disorders Can Recover Without Professional Treatment
Reality: Eating Disorders Require Specialized Treatment
Because eating disorders are complex conditions involving emotional, behavioral, and physical factors, making self-recovery difficult and potentially harmful. It’s essential to work with a team of professionals who specialize in eating disorders, including a psychotherapist, dietitian, medical doctor, and potentially a psychiatrist.
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Attempting recovery alone—especially after a prolonged period of restriction—can be dangerous. The body may struggle to adjust to normal food intake, and monitoring by a professional is crucial to ensure that recovery doesn’t cause further harm.
As previously discussed, the emotional factors behind eating disorders are deep and multifaceted. Spouses, partners, and close friends may be supportive, but they cannot serve as the sole source of help. They are too close to the issue, making it difficult for them to provide the objective perspective needed. Psychotherapists specializing in eating disorders are trained to understand the complexities, know what signs to look for, and ask the right questions to help the person heal.
Without treatment, up to 20% of individuals with severe eating disorders may die. However, with appropriate professional care, that number drops significantly to 2-3% (Powers et al., 2012). Effective treatment is available, and seeking help is a critical step in recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to schedule an appointment or ask for help in finding a qualified provider.
Eating Disorders Treatment
If you or a loved one is struggling with disordered eating, know that help is available. At Monarch Wellness & Psychotherapy, our compassionate, trauma-informed therapists specialize in eating disorder treatment. We provide individualized care to support you on your journey toward healing.
To learn more about eating disorders, check out our blog, “Eating Disorders Explained: Anorexia, Bulimia, BED, ARFID, and Beyond”.
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