When it comes to eating disorders, there are countless myths that keep people from understanding what they really are—and even more, what recovery looks like. These misconceptions can keep people stuck in shame, avoid getting help, or dismiss their own struggles. In this post, let’s debunk five common myths about eating disorders and talk about what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Myth #1: “You Have to Look a Certain Way to Have an Eating Disorder”
One of the biggest myths is that you can only have an eating disorder if you look visibly underweight or meet a stereotypical image. But the truth is, eating disorders can affect people of all body sizes, ages, and backgrounds. Just because someone doesn’t “look” like they have an eating disorder doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling.
- Reality: Eating disorders are mental health conditions, not body sizes. Focusing solely on weight or appearance ignores the emotional pain and severity of what someone is going through.
Myth #2: “Eating Disorders Are Just About Food”
While eating disorders do impact someone’s relationship with food, they aren’t solely about food or weight. They’re often about coping with difficult emotions, control, trauma, or self-esteem issues.
- Reality: Eating disorders are about so much more than food—they’re a way to cope with overwhelming feelings or a sense of not being enough. This is why simply telling someone to “just eat” or “just stop” isn’t helpful.
Myth #3: “Only White Teenage Girls Get Eating Disorders”
There’s a harmful stereotype that only white teenage girls develop eating disorders, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or background.
- Reality: Men, adults, and non-binary people experience eating disorders too. These disorders don’t discriminate, and limiting the conversation to a specific demographic leaves so many people feeling isolated and unseen.
Myth #4: “You Can Tell If Someone Has an Eating Disorder”
Many people believe they’d be able to tell if someone close to them had an eating disorder, but that’s not always the case. Eating disorders are often hidden behind smiles, high achievement, and perfectionism.
- Reality: People with eating disorders are often masters at hiding their struggles. Just because someone seems “okay” on the surface doesn’t mean they aren’t facing an intense internal battle.
Myth #5: “You Have to Be Sick Enough to Get Help”
There’s this idea that you have to reach rock bottom or have a “severe” eating disorder to justify seeking help. This thinking is not only harmful but can keep people stuck in unhealthy patterns for much longer than necessary.
- Reality: You don’t need to hit rock bottom to deserve help. If your relationship with food or your body is affecting your life, you deserve support—no matter where you are in your journey.
Believing these myths can keep you stuck in shame and silence, making it even harder to reach out for help. If you’re struggling with food, body image, or emotional overwhelm, remember: you’re not alone, and your experience is valid. The path to recovery isn’t about fitting into someone else’s idea of what an eating disorder looks like. It’s about learning to trust yourself, heal, and reclaim your life.