Understanding eating disorders: Myths vs. facts

Rate this article and enter to win

February is National Eating Disorders Awareness Month. Did you know that disordered eating is a mental illness and it comes in many forms beyond anorexia and bulimia? What all eating disorders have in common is an obsession with food and/or physical appearance. Because people often try to keep their disordered eating a secret, it can be hard to know if someone you know is suffering. That’s why it’s important to raise awareness so we can all do our part in creating a culture that embraces body diversity and celebrates the whole person—not just how one looks.

Types of eating disorders

• Binge eating disorder (eating large quantities of food and feeling ashamed or guilty afterward)
• Bulimia nervosa (binge eating with self-induced vomiting)
• Anorexia nervosa (involves weight loss, difficulty maintaining an appropriate weight, distorted body image)
• Orthorexia (obsession with proper or “healthy” eating)
• Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (limitations in the amount or types of foods consumed)
• Pica (eating non-food items, like dirt, hair, etc.)
• Rumination disorder (regular regurgitation of food that may or may not be spit out)
• Laxative abuse (repeated, frequent use of laxatives)
• Compulsive exercise (extreme, excessive exercise that interferes with other areas of one’s life)
• Other, non-specified eating disorders

Busting some myths about eating disorders

Eating disorders affect the mental and physical wellness of about 30 million Americans, yet there are still many misconceptions surrounding them.

Eating disorder awareness tips for everyone

Beyond spreading awareness, there are things we can all do to be part of the solution. One is to refrain from commenting on or complimenting anyone’s appearance. NEDA says, “The research is clear: Overemphasizing weight can encourage disordered eating and have counterproductive effects.” Instead of mentioning how someone looks, focus instead on their talents, intelligence, willingness to help, etc.

Purdue University’s Counseling Center has other tips to help prevent eating disorders before they start. They recommend living a healthy lifestyle through nutritious eating and physical activity, with a focus on well-being rather than appearance. Beyond the physical, they recommend challenging misleading messages about beauty, understanding that self-worth is not defined by how you look, developing realistic expectations of body image, and accepting your own physical characteristics.

Getting help for eating disorders

If the way you eat or think about food interferes with your life, you may be experiencing disordered eating. Help is available. You can visit your campus counseling center to see what resources they offer for people with eating disorders. Or you can call NEDA’s toll-free, confidential helpline, which is open Monday–Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST) (closed on holidays): 1-800-931-2237.

I READ THE ARTICLE & LEARNED FROM IT

What was the most interesting thing you read in this article?

Have you seen at least one thing on that you will apply to everyday life?

Yes

No

Have you seen at least one thing on that caused you to get involved, ask for help, utilize campus resources, or help a friend?

Yes

No

If you could change one thing about , what would it be?

Are there any other topics or angles you would like to see in , that we haven't covered?

First name: ?

Last name:

E-mail:

(55 x 4) / 2 + 4 = ?

I do not reside in Nevada Or Hawaii:

Want to increase your chances to win?

Refer up to 3 of your friends and when each visits , you will receive an additional entry into the weekly drawing.

Please note: Unless your friend chooses to opt-in, they will never receive another email from after the initial referral email.

Email 1:

Email 2:

Email 3:

SUBMIT

I READ THE ARTICLE & LEARNED NOTHING

What was the most interesting thing you read in this article?

Have you seen at least one thing on that you will apply to everyday life?

Yes

No

Have you seen at least one thing on that caused you to get involved, ask for help, utilize campus resources, or help a friend?

Yes

No

If you could change one thing about , what would it be?

Are there any other topics or angles you would like to see in , that we haven't covered?

First name: ?

Last name:

E-mail:

(55 x 4) / 2 + 4 = ?

I do not reside in Nevada Or Hawaii:

Want to increase your chances to win?

Refer up to 3 of your friends and when each visits , you will receive an additional entry into the weekly drawing.

Please note: Unless your friend chooses to opt-in, they will never receive another email from after the initial referral email.

Email 1:

Email 2:

Email 3:

SUBMIT

I DIDN'T READ THE ARTICLE

Have you seen at least one thing on that you will apply to everyday life?

Yes

No

Have you seen at least one thing on that caused you to get involved, ask for help, utilize campus resources, or help a friend?

Yes

No

Are there any other topics or angles you would like to see in , that we haven't covered?

First name: ?

Last name:

E-mail:

(55 x 4) / 2 + 4 = ?

I do not reside in Nevada Or Hawaii:

Want to increase your chances to win?

Refer up to 3 of your friends and when each visits , you will receive an additional entry into the weekly drawing.

Please note: Unless your friend chooses to opt-in, they will never receive another email from after the initial referral email.

Email 1:

Email 2:

Email 3:

SUBMIT

Individuals under the age of 13 may not enter or submit information to this giveaway.
Your data will never be shared or sold to outside parties. View our Privacy Policy. TERMS & CONDITIONS

GOOD LUCK!

WE HAVE RECEIVED YOUR ENTRY!

Be sure to monitor your email as we’ll be
choosing winners each Wednesday!

Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter
to find out who the lucky winners are.