Eating Disorders Awareness week is February 23rd to 1st March and we wanted to take this opportunity to explore eating disorders in some more depth. Whilst eating disorders are often talked about, they can also be widely misunderstood based on stereotypes in films, social media, and even in day to day conversations.
This can make it hard for people to recognise symptoms, ask for help, or support someone they care about. It’s important to break down some of the most common myths about eating disorders – and replace them with the truth!
We asked our associate Lucy to share some of her top tips.
Myth #1 Eating disorders are just about food
Truth: Eating disorders are not really about food at all. Food and weight may be the most visible part of an eating disorder, but underneath, they may be linked to things like:
• emotional regulation
• anxiety and depression
• trauma
• perfectionism
• low self-esteem
• a need for control
Behaviours around food often become a way to cope with overwhelming feelings, stress, or a sense of not being “enough.” See the Eating Disorders Iceberg, created by Dr Juliet Young, which highlights just how many other things may be going on for someone with an eating disorder.
Myth #2 People with eating disorders are thin
Truth: You cannot diagnose an eating disorder by appearance.
People with eating disorders come in all body shapes, sizes, genders, and backgrounds. Many people who struggle:
- are not underweight
- may look “healthy” to others
- may never experience visible weight changes
Some eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder or atypical anorexia, often go unnoticed because the person does not fit the stereotype. Assumptions such as this can be big barrier to someone seeking early help and recognising if someone around us is struggling.
Myth #3 Eating disorders are for teenage girls
Truth: Eating disorders affect people of all ages and genders.
While teenage girls are often highlighted in awareness campaigns, eating disorders also affect:
- boys and men
- nonbinary and transgender people
- children
- adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond
Many adults develop eating disorders later in life – sometimes triggered by major life changes, illness, pregnancy, grief, or chronic stress. This myth makes many people feel invisible and less likely to seek help as they fear being dismissed.
Myth #4 Talking about eating disorders makes it worse
Truth: Responsible, compassionate conversations can actually save lives.
Silence and shame allow eating disorders to grow. When conversations are handled carefully – without graphic details, competition, or glorifying weight loss – they can:
- help people recognize symptoms in themselves
- reduce isolation
- encourage speaking out and early support
- remind people they are not alone
The real risk is not talking about eating disorders at all.
Myth #5 Families and friends cause eating disorders
Truth: Eating disorders are complex and rarely caused by one thing.
There is no single cause of an eating disorder.
Most develop through a mix of:
- biological vulnerability
- personality traits
- social and cultural pressures
- life stressors
- mental health conditions
Blaming families or loved ones oversimplifies a very complicated reality and can damage relationships that are often crucial for recovery.
So how can I help someone with an eating disorder?
While every person’s recovery looks different, some of the most helpful elements include:
- try not to judge. Ask them what would help, like meeting up socially without food involvement (meet for a walk instead of dinner and drinks)
- encourage them to access mental health support specific to eating disorders
- have a GP check up
- be patient and support the person to offload stress and build healthy coping mechanisms
- learning skills to manage emotions and stress without using food or control
A final thought…
Eating disorders thrive in secrecy, shame, and misunderstanding. When we replace myths with accurate, person-centered information, we make it easier for people to recognise their struggles – and easier for others to respond with empathy instead of judgment.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with food, body image, or eating behaviors, you don’t need to wait for things to become extreme. Support, understanding, and recovery are possible and they are always worth aiming for. At Wellbeing Therapy Solutions we can provide you with a compassionate, non-judgmental space to help you build healthy coping mechanisms and offload your stress.
Get in touch today.
For further information on all things Eating Disorders visit https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
