There’s a lot of misconceptions surrounding eating disorders, which is why it’s so important to stay informed on what causes them to be so dangerous. Here’s what you need to know:
- Many people with eating disorders look healthy, yet may be extremely ill.
- Families are not to blame, and can be the patients’ and providers’ best allies in treatment.
- An eating disorder diagnosis is a health crisis that disrupts personal and family functioning.
- Eating disorders are not choices, but serious biologically influenced illnesses.
- Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, body shapes and weights, sexual orientations and socioeconomic statuses.
- Eating disorders carry an increased risk for both suicide and medical complications.
- Genes and environment play important roles in the development of eating disorders.
- Genes alone do not predict who will develop eating disorders.
- Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Early detection and intervention are important.