- Written By Charlie Collett
This post comes with a trigger warning due to the sensitive nature of the content described below. Please read with caution.
Eating disorders are misunderstood illnesses. From romanticised Netflix films to shocking newspaper headlines, many of the eating disorder representations we are surrounded with contribute to misconceptions. These often lead to damaging mental health stigma, which shames people and prevents access to treatment.
In this blog, I debunk some of the most common misunderstandings about eating disorders. I’ve also linked some mental health support services for anybody looking for advice or treatment.
"People with eating disorders are always underweight”
We are all aware of the female, underweight stereotype which dominates eating disorder representations. If, like me, you have grown up surrounded by magazines with “I had X days to live” and detailed meal plans on the front cover, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this what Anorexia looks like. However, this is a damaging stereotype which has long convinced people that they are not ‘sick enough’, or that they are undeserving of mental health treatment.
There are a few things to unpack here. Firstly, eating disorders are very competitive illnesses. Although no two people with an eating disorder experience the exact same thoughts and behaviours, comparison of diet, food and exercise is very common. This is often paired with body dysmorphia, a determination to reach an end goal or target, and an inability to see things as they are. This means that any media representation focusing on extreme weight loss can be very damaging to the eating disorder community, as it is reducing a complex illness to just one symptom. If specific weights or calories are mentioned, it can also supply people with an extreme goal, and deter them from asking for treatment before they get there. An example of this is Netflix’s To The Bone, which received criticism when Lily Collins, a previous eating disorder sufferer, lost weight specifically for the role.
Another important thing to emphasise is that eating disorders are mental illnesses. You can’t tell if somebody has an eating disorder just by looking at them. As somebody who has experienced both Anorexia and Bulimia, the hardest part of my recovery was accepting that I was unwell, even though weight loss wasn’t a factor. People of all shapes and sizes suffer with disordered eating, and it’s important that everyone can see the signs, and seek treatment regardless of BMI.
Unfortunately, we live in a world which is set on furthering weight stigma. A recent example is the UK Government’s Better Health campaign, which involves weight loss incentives and putting calories on restaurant menus, as written about in a previous LUU article. Mental health campaigners, health professionals and Beat UK staff alike have been taking to social media to fight against this campaign, and to ensure people with eating disorders are not harmed by this initiative. If you’re interested, I’d recommend checking out Public Health not Public Shaming, which is Beat’s response to the government’s health strategy.
“Eating disorders are just extreme diets”
There is a misconception that people with eating disorders have control over their behaviours, or that they are just trying to get fitter. Whilst it’s understandable that people who have never experienced an eating disorder may struggle to understand it, it’s unfair to think of the illness in this way. Far from being a ‘diet gone wrong’, eating disorders are complex mental health conditions which require professional treatment and support. Although it could be tempting to ask somebody to “just eat something”, the process is much more complicated than this. If you’d like to read more about how to support a loved one through their eating disorder, check out Beat’s resource.
“People with eating disorders are obsessed with food”
Eating disorders – despite the name – are not all about food. No matter the behaviour – restricting, binge eating, purging – behind it is a desire for control. So whilst to an outsider, restricting might seem like the person is trying to change their appearance, in reality it could be a coping mechanism for grief, stress, health scares, sexual trauma, or a number of other life factors. In any case, disordered eating is serious and complex, and is not something that can be switched on or off.
Whilst food isn’t everything, changed attitudes around food could be a sign of a developing eating disorder. For instance, if you notice yourself or a loved one talking more about diet or exercise, avoiding meals, or feeling guilty about food, it may be worth starting up a conversation. Beat have some amazing resources that you can access for free, as well as helplines which are open 365 days a year. From starting a conversation with a friend you are worried about, to accessing mental health support at university, or talking to your personal tutor about your mental health, Beat provide friendly, detailed guidance.
“You can never fully recover from an eating disorder”
A full, healthy recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Getting support as soon as possible leads to better chances of recovery, which is why so much work is being done on early prevention and access to quality treatment.
If you’ve been in recovery long-term, there are a number of volunteering opportunities up for grabs, including Beat ambassadors, LUU Beat Society volunteering (for University of Leeds students), Student Minds and Time to Change champions.
Eating disorder resources
If you have, or think you might have, an eating disorder or are worried about somebody close to you, there are so many services out there to help. If you are currently a University of Leeds student, you can also check out the University of Leeds Beat homepage for local support.
Beat UK:
· Helpline (including Student Helpline and Youth Helpline)
· Web chat
GP support:
Often the first step people take to get mental health support is visiting their GP. If you are going back to university this term, make sure you get registered at a local Drs practice, as eating disorder services are accessible through GP referrals. Beat have a guide for talking to your GP which you can read here.
A little about me
My name is Charlie Collettt, I’m a University of Leeds graduate with experience of both Anorexia and Bulimia. As a Beat UK young ambassador, I use my understanding of eating disorders to help others by giving talks, contributing to press coverage, helping with online support groups and campaigning for better treatment. I unfortunately graduated before LUU Beat Society was founded – if you’re currently a University of Leeds student I’d highly recommend checking it out! Or if you’re interested in writing, check out The Gryphon, which is where I first started writing about mental health.
I am also going to be doing a Q&A session on the Leeds uni Beat Society Instagram so keep your eyes peeled for that! https://www.instagram.com/luubeatsociety/