Challenging misconceptions about eating disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone. However, they’re often misunderstood by stereotypes that can oversimplify causes and treatments. The reality is that eating disorders are fueled beyond the desire to lose weight. It is far more complicated. Together, we can destigmatize eating disorders and shed light on their severity.

Misconception: Eating disorders only affect young women.
Reality: More than 4% of U.S. male adults experienced an eating disorder at some point in their life. This is about 6.6 million people. Another recent study found that eating disorder rates in males are increasing faster than in females.

Misconception: You can tell whether someone has an eating disorder based on looks.
Reality: Eating disorders can be deceptive. You can’t always tell who’s struggling based on outward appearances. In fact, less than 6% of people with an eating disorder are medically underweight. A more recent 2023 study found that higher body weight increases the chances of disordered eating behavior. However, these individuals are less likely to receive a clinical diagnosis of an eating disorder compared to patients who are underweight or average weight.

Misconception: Eating disorders are a choice.
Reality: Some eating disorders may develop out of a conscious choice. But by the time the behavior becomes disordered, it can spiral into obsession. The emotional and mental components of recovery can be difficult. A person must challenge their ideas about weight, their relationship to their bodies, and their self-worth.

Misconception: Anorexia and bulimia are the only eating disorders.
Reality: Though anorexia and bulimia may be the most well-known eating disorders, they aren’t the only ones. Other eating disorders include:

• binge eating disorder
• avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
• other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED).

OSFED represented nearly 40% of eating disorder cases among males and almost 45% of cases among females between 2018 and 2019. This makes it one of the most diagnosed eating disorders.

When talking about eating disorders, start by recognizing that these illnesses are complex. Differentiating fact from fiction can foster understanding, empathy, and compassion for those struggling.

If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, there’s help available. Explore eating disorder treatment in Massachusetts.

If you’re a Mass General Brigham Health Plan member, you can find support at Member.MGBHP.org You can also explore behavioral health support through online wellness platforms such as Optum and Lyra Health.

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