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5 Important Facts Everyone Should Know About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders affect at least 9% of the global population, yet many people still know next to nothing about them due to their historical branding as taboo. Thankfully as more discussions surrounding mental health and its effects take shape, discussing eating disorders has become more commonplace. In this post, we’ll contribute to the discussion by listing some important facts everyone should know about eating disorders.
Fact #1- Eating Disorders Do Not Discriminate
Statistically speaking, women are still more likely than men to develop eating disorders or demonstrate traits associated with disordered eating (binge eating, fasting, purging, body checking, etc.) While it’s important to acknowledge the role gender politics play in creating this disparity, it does not negate the fact that anyone can suffer from an eating disorder. Eating disorders do not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, socioeconomic status, income, age, or race. And because eating disorders are considered one of the deadliest mental illnesses one can suffer from, it is imperative that we normalize their presence in all people. There are no prerequisites that determine who is affected and who isn’t. We all are.
Fact #2- People Suffering From Eating Disorders Come in All Shapes and Sizes:
Unfortunately, many people (including those in the medical field) are often dismissive of diagnosing eating disorders unless the person suffering is clinically underweight. Not only does this line of thinking negate certain types of eating disorders where weight gain is common (binge eating disorder, bulimia) but it also creates a dangerous narrative that eating disorders only manifest physically in one way. When in fact people of all shapes, sizes, and weights are affected by eating disorders or disordered eating. Implying the opposite is both dangerous and counterproductive to healing. Individuals who are underweight, overweight, or anywhere in between can, and do, suffer from eating disorders.
Fact #3- Those Suffering From Eating Disorders Often Have Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues
Much like drug addiction, eating disorders are often one component or symptom of a complex mental health profile. Individuals who suffer from an eating disorder are likely to also suffer from other mental illnesses including anxiety, depression, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more. That’s why treating an eating disorder is far more complicated than simply urging the patient to “eat more”. Treating an eating disorder regularly goes hand-in-hand with treating other mental illnesses or underlying trauma.
Fact #4- Genetics and Environment are Risk Factors to Developing Eating Disorders
As discussed in fact #1, anyone can suffer from an eating disorder. However, genetics, personality traits, and environmental triggers can significantly increase a person’s odds of developing an eating disorder. Having a close relative with an eating disorder, body image dissatisfaction, and even type 1 diabetes, are all examples of risk factors. That’s why it’s imperative to conduct a thorough assessment of a patient’s history, as knowing their risk factors can help safeguard their recovery.
Fact #5- Recovery From Eating Disorders is Possible:
With treatment, roughly 60 percent of eating disorder patients will make a full recovery. In fact, it is possible (and probable) for patients to move forward and develop a healthy relationship with food. It’s easy to get discouraged, especially in cases of relapse. However, relapse does not negate progress and it is okay for recovery to be non-linear.
Sources:
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/risk-factors
https://anad.org/eating-disorders-statistics/
