Despite increasing awareness, eating disorders remain widely misunderstood—even within healthcare. These misconceptions can delay diagnosis, hinder treatment, and perpetuate stigma. As frontline providers, General Practitioners (GPs) and other clinicians play a pivotal role in early detection and intervention.
Let’s explore and correct some of the most persistent myths, with a focus on what medical professionals need to know.
Myth 1: Eating disorders are a lifestyle choice or about vanity
Reality: Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses, not choices. They are influenced by genetic predisposition, neurobiological factors, trauma, and sociocultural pressures.
Clinical takeaway: Avoid framing the disorder as a matter of willpower or aesthetics. Use nonjudgmental language and screen for comorbidities like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Myth 2: Only underweight, young, white females get eating disorders
Reality: Eating disorders affect all genders, ages, ethnicities, and body sizes. Males represent about one-third of those with eating disorders, and prevalence is rising among older adults and children. Atypical anorexia, where patients meet all criteria for anorexia nervosa except low weight, is especially underdiagnosed in higher-weight individuals.
Clinical takeaway: Do not rely on appearance or BMI alone. Use validated screening tools like the SCOFF questionnaire or EDE-Q across diverse populations.
Myth 3: You can tell someone has an eating disorder by looking at them
Reality: Many individuals with eating disorders appear to be at a “normal” or higher weight. Disorders like bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder) often present without visible signs.
Clinical takeaway: Focus on behavioural and psychological symptoms, not weight. Ask about eating habits, exercise, purging behaviours, and body image concerns.
Myth 4: Eating disorders are attention-seeking behaviours
Reality: Most individuals go to great lengths to hide their symptoms due to shame, fear, or denial. These are not manipulative behaviours, but signs of deep psychological distress.
Clinical takeaway: Approach patients with empathy. Avoid dismissive language and validate their experiences to build trust.
Myth 5: Eating disorders are rare and not serious
Reality: Eating disorders affect at least 9% of the population and have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, due to both medical complications and suicide.
Clinical takeaway: Treat eating disorders with the same urgency as other life-threatening conditions. Monitor for electrolyte imbalances, cardiac issues, and suicidality.
Myth 6: Recovery is just about eating more or less
Reality: Nutritional rehabilitation is essential, but psychological treatment is equally critical. Evidence-based therapies include CBT-E, Family-Based Therapy (FBT), and Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM).
Clinical takeaway: Refer early to multidisciplinary teams. Continue to monitor physical health and support adherence to treatment plans.
Myth 7: Once weight is restored, the patient is recovered
Reality: Weight restoration is only the beginning. Cognitive and emotional recovery can take much longer. Relapse is common without ongoing support.
Clinical takeaway: Continue follow-up even after physical stabilisation. Screen for lingering disordered thoughts and behaviours, as these can lead to relapse.
Final Thoughts for Clinicians
Eating disorders are complex, chronic, and treatable. As a medical practitioner, your role in early detection, compassionate care, and appropriate referral is vital. By challenging these myths, you help reduce stigma and improve outcomes for your patients. At Myrtle Oak Clinic we welcome your questions and referrals, and we’re always happy to discuss how we can best work together to support your patients. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
