Eating Disorder

Myths about anorexia nervosa (AN)

Anorexia Nervosa is a psychological eating disorder and can be classified as one of the potentially life-threatening ones. Those suffering from this eating disorder are typically undergoing an extremely low body weight relative to their height and body type. 

An organization called "Eating disorder hope" has concluded that anorexia has the highest fatality rate of any mental illness and it is estimated that 4% of anorexic individuals die from complications of the disease.

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a tool that treatment providers often use to judge the suitability of body weight for an individual struggling with an eating disorder. Additionally, observations of eating patterns, exercise, and personality traits may give indications of an anorexic diagnosis, so those struggling with anorexia frequently fear to gain weight and often believe they appear much heavier than they are.

Many people think wrong things about anorexia nervosa,  but these misunderstandings may not seem dangerous to an average person; however, to someone fighting an ED (eating disorder) and their family members can change their mind about getting treatment. 

Taking this into account, we must deny these myths.

Myth No. 1: Anorexia is a lifestyle choice

No one suddenly decides to develop an ED, and this myth believes individuals can simply stop having an ED with an insignificant change in mind. But this isn't true. You can`t choose whether to have or not have an ED. Individuals battling with anorexia don't abruptly choose to stop eating, EDs are serious illnesses. A person may develop an ED if he or she is facing other mental or physical illnesses.

Myth No. 2: Men don't get eating disorders

Men are not immune to developing anorexia. According to CBS News, doctors used to believe anorexia mainly affected intelligent, highly wealthy teenage women. But the truth is that nearly 10 million males suffer from a significant ED during their lifetime, stated the National Eating Disorder Association. 3% of men struggle with anorexia once in their lifetime, everyone can develop an ED (HealthStatus).

Myth No. 3: A person needs to be seriously skinny to have anorexia

While it's true that individuals fighting anorexia tend to be dangerously thin in terms of body weight, this isn't always the case. According to CBS News, someone can have anorexia but not have a skeletal figure. For example, someone may have been overweighted and used unhealthy methods to achieve a normal weight. Even though he or she looks healthy, she or he is yet battling anorexia.

Myth No. 4: People fighting anorexia don't eat

Many persons think that people with anorexia don't eat, and it is kind of natural to think that, but that is not true. They do it, but their eating habits aren't the healthiest, HealthStatus explained.

Anorexic people usually follow restrictive diets that emphasize low-calorie foods. But recognize that anorexia is different from dieting because people with anorexia feel that they are being forced to eat. In their minds, every piece of food counts and they think that is harmful. 

Keep in mind that anything can be cured, and most of the cases anorexia is cured or treated with therapy, love, support, and motivation.

By Manuela Orozco, Step 9