While eating disorders manifest as an intense focus around food and image, they aren't about vanity or seeking attention.
While eating disorders do involve physical actions, they're actually a mental illness.
There are a few different conditions that fall under the eating disorder banner, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Let's take a look at the fact versus fiction.
Myth 1.
Eating disorders are just vanity!
Wrong!
The problem with this misconception is the underlying assumption that eating disorders are something people choose to have.
This couldn't be further form the truth.
While they can be related to body dissatisfaction, eating disorders aren't about vanity, and they aren't a diet that has gone too far.
Rather, they're complex and serious mental illnesses triggered by a combination of social, psychological, genetic, and environmental factors.
An eating disorder can also be a coping mechanism, where people try to control uncomfortable feelings, maintain a sense of control, or cope with past trauma.
It's also not about seeking attention.
On the contrary often people with an eating disorder come up with elaborate ways to conceal their unhealthy habits such as wearing baggy clothing.
Myth 2.
If you're not skinny you don't have an eating disorder!
Again, this just isn't true.
Body shapes are all different, and the impact of an eating disorder isn't always obvious to the naked eye.
In the case of anorexia nervosa, not all people with this mental illness will be noticeably slim, and people with bulimia nervosa tend to be of average to above average weight.
Even athletes who look super fit can have an eating disorder.
