3 Common Myths and Misconceptions about Eating Disorders
Understanding the Truth Behind Disordered Eating
Myths and misconceptions about eating disorders run rampant in our culture. Because of the portrayal of eating disorders in the media many people have a vision of what an eating disorder “looks” like. That combined with a general misunderstanding of the why’s/how’s of eating disorders by the general population and health care professionals alike, people struggling with their relationship to food and their body often feel stigmatized, not believed, isolated, and alone.
At Reclaim Therapy, we see firsthand how harmful these misunderstandings can be. People struggling with their relationship to food and body often feel stigmatized, invalidated, and alone.
If you’re looking to educate yourself, support a loved one, or seek care for yourself, debunking these eating disorder myths and misconceptions of eating disorders is an essential step toward clarity and healing.
1. Having an Eating Disorder is a Choice.
The causes of eating disorders are complex, and research continues to look at the many factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders. What we do know to be true is that eating disorders are caused by both genetic and environmental factors.
One of the most common eating disorder myths is the idea that people choose their eating disorders—that they’re simply trying to get attention or control others.
The truth? Eating disorders are not choices—they are complex mental health conditions.
So, what is true about disordered eating?
Disordered eating behaviors are often attempts to feel safe, manage overwhelming emotions, or cope with trauma. They may provide a false sense of control when life feels chaotic or unpredictable.
Eating disorder facts and myths:
Fact: Eating disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, biological, and environmental factors.
Myth: People can simply “snap out of it” with enough willpower.
Impact of Biology
Biology plays a crucial role in the development of eating disorders- studies continue to show that people who have a genetic predisposition to an eating disorder are significantly more vulnerable to developing one themselves.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors that contribute to the development of an eating disorder include exposure to diet-culture messaging, fatphobic beliefs, bullying around appearance, body shape and size, health conditions, and dieting behaviors.
It’s important to note that 1 in 4 dieters will move on to be diagnosed with a clinical eating disorder. We often talk with our clients about the slippery slope of eating disorder behaviors; they can quickly spin out of our control, into life-draining, compulsive behaviors.
2. You Can Tell if Someone Has an Eating Disorder By Looking at Them
Eating disorder facts and myths we address in this blog post.
This is one of the most common myths and misconceptions about eating disorders. The media portrays eating disorders by showing thin, white adolescent females. The truth is that all eating disorders occur in bodies of all sizes, bodies of all gender identifications, and bodies of all races and ethnicities.
So, can men develop eating disorders?
Yes. 100%. And they do.
For decades, research on eating disorders focused primarily on women, but updated diagnostic criteria in 2013 opened the door for men to be formally diagnosed with all eating disorder types. Despite this, men often go undiagnosed or untreated due to shame and societal stigma.
The truth is that eating disorders occur in people of all genders, races, ages, and body sizes.
A person in a larger body can have anorexia.
A nonbinary person can suffer from body image distress rooted in trauma or gender dysphoria.
Here at Reclaim Therapy in Pennsylvania, we assess for anorexia in people of all sizes, despite the cultural narrative that anorexia only occurs in people with underweight bodies.
Additionally, eating disorder counselors…
Recognize that research about men living with anorexia was limited until the shift in diagnostic criteria in 2013. Now that men can be formally diagnosed with all eating disorders, we see the need for support increasing.
Many people struggling with an eating disorder suffer in silence because they have not been believed, or they don’t see their body as deserving of treatment.
3. Eating Disorders are Just About Food
Here’s one of the most misunderstood truths about eating disorders: It’s rarely about the food itself.
Food and eating (or not eating) are often used to manage emotional pain. The control of food, the hypervigilance about food, the fear of food. But under that surface, there is commonly anxiety, depression, trauma, body image concerns, perfectionis,. identity struggles and deep self-criticism.
When someone is obsessing over calories, food rules, or body size—it’s not vanity. It’s survival. We often ask clients, “If it weren’t about the food, what else might it be about?”
Understanding the function of eating disorder behaviors is key to healing. These behaviors often emerge to help someone feel safe, in control, or soothed—especially when emotions or memories feel too intense to manage.
What is true about disordered eating is that it can offer temporary relief from distress—but over time, it becomes a prison.
In fact, if left untreated, eating disorders can shorten your life expectancy over time.
That’s why eating disorder recovery isn’t just about meal plans—it’s about learning to regulate emotions, explore beliefs, and rebuild trust with your body.
You’re not alone!
There are so many misconceptions about eating disorders and people who struggle with them. If you are struggling, we want you to know that you’re not broken, you’re not crazy, and your story deserves to be heard, believed, and respected.
We’re not here to shame your behaviors—we’re here to understand their purpose, walk alongside you in healing, and help you reclaim a more peaceful, embodied life.
If you’re unsure whether your relationship with food is “bad enough” to get help—please know this:
If it’s taking up space in your brain, your heart, or your life—it matters. And you do too.
At Reclaim Therapy, we provide specialized treatment for people struggling with eating disorders with a specialization in binge eating disorders.
We reject the culturally normative view of eating disorders and wholeheartedly believe that anyone who is struggling with their relationship to food deserves support. Our therapists in Pennsylvania are here to support you with what you’re struggling with. Learn about what we offer at Reclaim therapy and see if we are right for you.
We encourage you to reach out for support when you’re ready. You deserve a big, full life. We’re excited and ready to help you get there.
🧡,
We provide in-person and online therapy in Pennsylvania for people looking for trauma treatment, eating disorder treatment, and body image therapy.
Based on our Horsham, PA counseling practice, we provide online therapy to Pennsylvania residents who are looking for specialized treatment for trauma and PTSD, body image, EMDR, grief, binge eating, and other disordered eating concerns.