myths
eating disorders are not serious
families, particularly parents, are to blame for eating disorders
eating disorders are a cry for attention
eating disorders only affect white, middle class, adolescent girls
dieting is a normal part of life
eating disorders are caused by the media
myth
'eating disorders are not serious'
Well, the truth is...
Eating disorders are serious and potentially life threateaning mental illnesses. A person with an eating disorder experiences severe disturbances in their behaviour around eating, exercising and related self harm because of distortions in their thoughts and emotions.
myth
'families, particularly parents, are to blame for eating disorders'
Well, the truth is...
There is no evidence that eating disorders can be caused by parenting styles. Although a person's genetics may predispose them to developing an eating disorder, this is certainly not the fault of their family.
myth
'eating disorders are a cry for attention'
Well, the truth is...
Due to the nature of an eating disorder, a person may go to great lengths to hide behaviour or may not recognise that there is anything wrong. Eating disorders are not a phase and will not be resolved without treatment and support.
myth
'eating disorders only affect white, middle class, adolescent girls'
Well, the truth is...
Eating disorders can affect annyone. They occur across all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, amongst people of all ages, from children to the elderly and in both mean and women.
myth
'dieting is a normal part of life'
Well, the truth is...
Eating disorders almost invariably occur in people who have engaged in dieting or disordered eating. Dieting is also associated with other health concerns including depression, anxiety nutritional and metabolic problems, and, contrary to expectation, with an increase in weight.
myth
'eating disorders are caused by the media'
Well, the truth is...
Many people are exposed to the media, but only a small percentage of them develop eating disorders. Eating disorders are complex illnesses that have biological, genetic and psychological roots. The media can certainly impact how a person feels about their looks, but it does not cause eating disorders.