Busting Myths About Eating Disorders
Even though the name ‘eating disorder’ contains the word eating in it, it is more than about food. A lot of people believe that the core of every eating disorder is the person wanting to achieve the perfect figure. A lot of myths revolve around the subject of eating disorders. Today, let’s focus on busting these myths regarding eating disorders, which in the long-term are harmful to a person’s health.
MYTH: THE ONLY CAUSE OF EATING DISORDERS IS WANTING TO LOOK PICTURE PERFECT
TRUTH: ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OF CASES ARE RELATED TO LOSING WEIGHT
Even though the cause of eating disorders is still unknown, a lot of scientists have attributed the cause to psychological reasons and genetics. Many children who grow up in problematic households are likely to experience some or the other mental disorder including an eating disorder. Though some people go through these because of body image issues, the original cause is always deeper than that.
MYTH: ONLY WOMEN GET EATING DISORDERS
TRUTH: BOTH MEN AND WOMEN ARE LIKELY TO SUFFER AN EATING DISORDER
In our society, where the idea of a perfect body are drilled into the heads of women, it is reasonable to believe that women are the main sufferers. But considering that more than body image, the cause is related to one’s psyche it will affect both men and women alike.
MYTH: AN EATING DISORDER IS JUST A PHASE IN A TEENS LIFE
TRUTH: MAJORITY OF SEVERE CASES OF EATING DISORDERS START IN A PERSON’S TEENS
Eating disorders for teens is either a consequence of a family situation or a consequence of an underlying psychological issue. A psyche consult and a targeted treatment are more effective than ignoring their cry for help.
MYTH: EAT MORE AND THE PROBLEM WITH GO AWAY
TRUTH: IF ONLY EATING COULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM IT WOULDN’T BE A PROBLEM
Many people believe that the cure to an eating disorder is simply eating. That is simply not true. If the crux of the matter isn’t dealt with properly, the problem will persist. The deep-rooted psychological issues need to be dealt with first. Only after that one can dream of being free of it.
ALSO READ: Anorexia Nervosa: What You Need To Know
MYTH: ONLY VERY THIN PEOPLE HAVE AN EATING DISORDER
TRUTH: ANYONE CAN HAVE AN EATING DISORDER
It is true that eating disorders are characterized by extremely low weight but people suffering from bulimia or binge eating are usually in the normal weight criteria. You can’t look at someone and decide whether they are suffering from an eating disorder or not.
In our lives, we need to be attentive and caring to make sure we are there for the people suffering in silence. Be it eating disorders or any other psychological condition, it requires love and support. Through medical intervention and support from loved ones, these people can lead normal, happy lives.
ALSO READ: Important Steps To Live A Healthy Life
