How much do you actually know about eating disorders? For National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we’ve rounded up common misconceptions that make it more difficult for people living with these illnesses to be recognized, to be understood and to access appropriate treatment.
Here are six myths about eating disorders debunked.
MYTH: Eating disorders happen only to white women.
In reality, people of all genders and racial groups can suffer from disordered eating. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, an estimated 20 million women and 10 million men today will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder in their lifetime. A 2007 survey showed no difference in eating disorder rates among people of different races and ethnicities, although NEDA has found that minorities are much less likely to receive help.
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“You’ll hear the myth that it’s the family’s fault, but a lot goes into an eating disorder, including genetic, societal and cultural factors,” Dr. Selby told HuffPost. “It can really tear up families, when the family is crucial to eating disorder recovery.”
In its resources for parents and other family members on supporting a child or sibling with an eating disorder, NEDA encourages parents not to blame themselves.
Need help? Call the National Eating Disorders Association hotline at 1-800-931-2237.
