One of the biggest misconceptions around eating disorders, specifically anorexia, is that it is solely a weight disorder. In reality, it is primarily a mental disorder where weight loss can be a side effect but not always present. Only a minority of people with eating disorders are underweight. Another misconception is that eating disorders only happen to women, whereas they can affect people of any gender. Similarly, eating disorders are not limited to young people and can occur at any age. There is a common stereotype of an underweight young woman when it comes to discussing eating disorders, which overlooks the existence of conditions like binge eating disorder or bulimia, as well as the fact that it can affect individuals of various genders and body weights. Challenging these misconceptions is important to improve access to treatment and reduce stigma and discrimination.
In this episode we break down the psychology behind eating disorders - from anorexia to bulimia and binge eating disorder. Amalie Lee, the Host of the Recovery Talk podcast joins us to discuss her own experience with anorexia and as an eating disorder recovery coach as we break down the triggers and origins of eating disorders, the misconceptions, how they impact our psychological and emotional well-being and the journey to healing and recovery.
If you or someone you know needs help or for further information and psychological services on eating disorders, please see the following:
Australia - The Butterfly Foundation
https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/
USA - National Eating Disorders Association
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
UK - Beat Eating Disorders
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Canada - National Eating Disorder Information Centre
https://nedic.ca
Worldwide - https://www.verywellmind.com/leading-eating-disorder-charities-and-organizations-4145389
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