There is a commonly held misconception that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses that are associated with severe disturbances in people’s eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. Preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape may also signal an eating disorder. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
“Eating disorders are medical illnesses.”
Genetic and environmental factors can influence eating disorders. An eating disorder is not a trend or a choice.
“Eating disorders are serious and can be fatal.”
Eating disorders often involve serious medical complications that can cause permanent damage or death. People with eating disorders also have an increased risk of dying by suicide.
“Eating disorders can affect anyone.”
Eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect people of all ages, races and ethnicities, and genders.
“You can’t tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.”
People with eating disorders can be underweight, normal weight, or overweight.
“Family members can be a patient’s best ally in treatment.”
Eating disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. Family members do not cause eating disorders and can be great sources of support.
“It is possible to recover from an eating disorder.”
Complete recovery is possible with treatment and time.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders
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