Written by: Online Counseling reviews
One of the most serious conditions that many people are facing now is an eating disorder. In the United States alone, they have at least 30 million individuals facing this illness. Having this type of disease is crucial and alarming, which has a negative effect on one’s health. However, there are misconceptions and myths about these disorders that must be corrected and must be known by everyone.
In continuing this article, here is the list of tenacious myths about this eating disorder and the truth about these myths.
The eating disorder only affects women
Please bear in mind that anyone or both sexes can be affected by these eating disorders. According to the study of NEDA, one in three people who are experiencing an eating disorder is male. About 10 million males in the US are subject to experience an eating disorder at some point.
This eating behavior is common for both men and women like laxative abuse and binge eating. But men are likely less in seeking treatments for this eating disorder than women. Some of the men do not seek help because they believe that this type of condition is feminine as what they think, but it’s not.
The eating disorder only targets teenagers
An eating disorder does not only affect teenagers, but all ages can experience one. Some believe that teenagers, especially teenage girls, are the most at risk of having an eating disorder. However, according to the study, 18 years old is the average age of having bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. But this type of disease can also be seen as early as childhood.
Currently, the eating disorder has risen, and children as early as 5 to 6 years of age are being diagnosed. An adult can also have this type of disease, which some may develop later in their life or from childhood up to adulthood.
The eating disorder as a way to get attention
Getting attention is not a valid reason why people are developing an eating disorder. Having an eating disorder is not a conscious choice of a person. Some develop it as their way to cope with the negative life, trauma, bullying, and more. There are also other aspects such as genetic and psychological health influencing them to develop this type of illness. Some of the people who are experiencing this tend to hide their situation from other people.
People choose to eat disorder
Having an eating disorder is not a choice, but it is a medical illness. The eating disorder is biologically influenced by medical conditions, according to the National Institute of Health. Generally, not by someone’s choice but a complex medical and psychiatric disease. Biological, sociological, and genetic factors have a big impact on having this disorder, which often happens or runs in the family.
Having an eating disorder is also a cause of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorder. Overall, this eating disorder can affect both psychological and physical health, and that they are very alarming to one’s life.
Most of the people who has an eating disorder are thin
Eating disorders are not only for thin people, but there are also underweight cases. Having an eating disorder is not easily determined as for their physical appearance. Some can cause weight loss, but others are not. It can be a binge eating disorder, or BED is overeating without purging the type of disease.
70% of people who have BED are obese. So, generally, not because you have an eating disorder, you are overweight.
People with an eating disorder can regain their health by eating again
Having an eating disorder is not only because of food, but they are also a mental disorder. Practicing healthy eating is one of the recovery components; however, the developing disease is the top priority. A dietician, a psychotherapist, is also a big help for a person with this disorder to improve their eating habit, self-esteem, coping mechanism, and even stress management, which are the cause of the trauma.
The people with an eating disorder cannot recover anymore
Recovering from an eating disorder is achievable. The possibility that you can improve in this illness is high, as you will undergo treatment. People with an eating disorder have the biggest possible recovery, such as 46% full recovery for someone who has anorexia, 33% will be seen for its improvement. Also, there are 45% for people with bulimia for its full recovery, and 27% to improve their illness.
Proper meal planning, self-care, and regular visits to their doctor will help improve and recover from this eating disorder.
When To Visit A Doctor?
It is not a joke to have an eating disorder, and doctors took it seriously, so myths are not allowed for them. If you are experiencing an eating disorder, you must visit a doctor immediately. They will help you find the right solution or treatment for your case, which will be determined based on family history, personal circumstances, and more.
Summary
Myths are everywhere, but facts are the best to observe. This will help you and other people to understand and give better support, especially with those who are experiencing this eating disorder condition. This eating disorder can affect all people of any gender, age, and body type they have. It can be the cause of the combination of psychological, genetic, and even environmental factors that can trigger this type of illness.
Fighting and recovery from this eating disorder are possible. Improvements will come true, as you will observe the proper treatment. The first step in recovering from this eating disorder is to visit a doctor and seek consultation about it.
We all have different beliefs, and we cannot pinpoint, which among them is right. But one thing is for sure: If health and life are at risk, it is best to seek the help of the right person, such as the doctor, to help you resolve this type of problem, such as this eating disorder.