Eating Disorder Awareness

This week is the National Eating Disorder Association’s week of eating disorder awareness. As someone who has been personally impacted by anorexia, I am always eager to get involved in campaigns that educate the public and offer support for sufferers. But this year, I found myself wondering what the purpose of an “awareness week” really is. How much of an impact can some fancy infographics and a cute hashtag have on a problem so immense and widespread as eating disorders?

But we must do something. It is estimated that 30 million people in the United States are suffering from an eating disorder, and only 1 out of 10 receive treatment (ANAD 2016). I fought anorexia for four years, and I know what it feels like to be alone and without hope. I know what it feels like when you realize that your body is dying but you can’t stop the compulsions and the self-destructive behaviors. I know what it feels like when people make hurtful, ignorant comments that act like gasoline on the flame of your illness.

Sure, eating disorders are getting more coverage in the media and education than ever before. But there are still far too many prevailing misconceptions that prevent sufferers from feeling understood and supported. Eating disorder awareness week isn’t about finding a good cause to jump on board with or finding graphics to post all over social media.

So for this year’s Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I would like to correct just a few of the most pervasive myths about eating disorders.

Myth #1: You can tell by looking at someone that they have an eating disorder.

We hear talk of celebrities and models that “look anorexic.” We hear talk about skinny girls who “look like they have an eating disorder.” But the truth is that, in many cases, the individual’s body weight may be average or above average. In fact, people with bulimia and binge eating disorder are often overweight. Eating disorders don’t always result in an emaciated body.

Myth #2: Eating disorders only effect young women.

Eating disorders affect people of every age, gender, and of every racial and cultural background. An estimated 10 million American men have an eating disorder at some time in their lives.

Myth #3: Eating disorders are a choice.

No one chooses to have an eating disorder, and once you do have one, it’s impossible to simply choose not to. Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening mental illnesses that develop over time as a result of biological, social, and psychological factors.

Myth #4: Society and the media cause eating disorders.

It is commonly believed that eating disorders are a result of unrealistic media, photoshop, and society’s beauty ideals. Yes, these do play a role in body dissatisfaction and the early stages of disordered eating. But without genetic predisposition, an eating disorder is very unlikely to develop. The media plays a role in the development of eating disorders, but it is not the cause.

Myth #5: Eating disorders are life-long, and full recovery is impossible.

Although recovering from an eating disorder is extremely difficult, it is far from impossible. Many people with anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders recover successfully and live healthy lives. If you or someone you know is suffering, know that there is always hope, no matter how long they have been ill or how severe the illness is.

These are just a few of the myths that tend to distort the way people view eating disorders, but with proper education and awareness we can change these misconceptions. Eating Disorder Awareness Week is about correcting myths. Providing hope. Encouraging sufferers. Teaching the truth. Throwing out misleading information. Starting conversations.

So don’t let this week slip by. Even one person who is willing to speak out can make all the difference.

-Sarah