Eating disorder myths

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Eating Disorders: Common Myths

Transcript of Eating disorder myths

Page 1: Eating disorder myths

Eating Disorders:

Common Myths

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There are many myths

surrounding the subject of eating disorders, including the types of people they affect, the causes and the signs. Here are some of the most common myths about eating disorders:

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MYTH #1: Eating disorders only affect women.

REALITY:  25% of people who suffer from eating disorders are men. Due to the gender bias of clinicians, an eating disorder in a male is less likely to be diagnosed as      anorexia or bulimia. Also due to stigma and misunderstandings surrounding eating disorders, males are less likely to admit their problem and seek help. 

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MYTH #2: Men with eating disorders tend to be homosexual.

 REALITY: Sexual preference has no correlation with developing an eating disorder.

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MYTH #3: Eating disorders are only a problem for people of high

socioeconomic status.

REALITY: Eating disorders can affect people in all socioeconomic groups. Because much of the research that has been done on eating disorders only considered young people who were already diagnosed, people who lack the resources or insurance to seek help were overlooked. Although difference in income and insurance coverage have made eating disorders seem like only a "high-class" problem, it has been shown that eating disorders can affect people from any socioeconomic group. 

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MYTH #4: Eating disorders are all about beauty and appearance. 

REALITY: Eating disorders continue long after a person has reached his or her "target weight," proving that eating disorders cannot be simplified into an issue with appearance.

Eating disorders are a mental illness usually related to emotional issues such as control, low self-esteem and poor body image.

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MYTH #5: The fashion industry is to blame.

REALITY: Although the fashion and modeling industries may play a role in promoting eating disorders, they are not a principle cause. Many people are exposed to the media ideal of "thin" everyday, but not everyone develops an eating disorder. More important factors that influence the development of an eating disorder include genetics and personality traits. 

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MYTH #6: Disordered eating is uncommon.

REALITY: The criteria doctors use to diagnose eating disorders are very strict, making the incidence of anorexia and bulimia very low (only about 0.5 percent of the population have anorexia, and 1 percent to 2 percent have bulimia). However, anorexia-like and bulimia-like habits are very common. Just because it is not diagnosed as an eating disorder, similar eating habits and emotional problems should not be dismissed.

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MYTH #7: Bulimics only purge by vomiting.

REALITY: A person does not have

to make themselves vomit in order to

have bulimia. Although vomiting is a common way to purge after binge-eating, people with bulimia may also exercise compulsively and/or use laxatives.

Therefore, vomiting is not what characterizes bulimia; its core element is the cycle of binge-eating followed by purging in any form.

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MYTH #8: Eating disorders are not deadly.

REALITY: Fortunately, most people suffering from an eating disorder recover with proper treatment including an extensive team of experts.

However, if left untreated eating disorders can be deadly. In five to 10 percent of cases of those with the disorder, anorexia causes death either from suicide, heart problems or other complications of the disorder.

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SourcesNational Eating Disorder Association“Common Myths About Eating Disorders”http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/educator-toolkit.php

CBS News“9 Deadly Myths About Eating Disorders”http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-204_162-10005824.html?tag=page