Anorexia Nervosa: Debunking Common Myths and Exploring Effective Treatment

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by restrictive eating, an intense fear of gaining weight, and an obsessive focus on weight loss, even when underweight.¹ Despite its severity and the level of awareness surrounding eating disorders, many misconceptions about anorexia persist. Here are some myths that need to be debunked to better understand and address this serious condition.

Myth 1: Only Cisgender Women Are Affected by Anorexia

One prevalent myth is that anorexia nervosa only affects cisgender (a person whose internal gender identity is the same as a person’s identified sex at birth) women. The reality, however, is more inclusive. A significant survey involving nearly 300,000 college students revealed that transgender students face a significantly higher risk—over four times greater—of being diagnosed with anorexia nervosa compared to their cisgender peers.²

Moreover, anorexia does not exclusively affect women. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, approximately 25% of those diagnosed with anorexia are men.³ This statistic underscores the importance of recognizing that eating disorders do not discriminate based on gender.

Myth 2: Anorexia Does Not Impact a Person's Health

Another dangerous misconception is the belief that anorexia does not significantly impact a person's health. This couldn't be further from the truth. Anorexia nervosa severely impacts the body's ability to function properly due to the lack of essential food and nutrient intake. If left untreated, anorexia can lead to serious health complications, including electrolyte imbalances, cardiovascular issues, bone density loss, gastrointestinal problems, and a weakened immune system. In extreme cases, these health issues can be life-threatening.¹

Myth 3: You Can Tell If Someone Has Anorexia by Their Appearance

Many people erroneously believe that you can identify someone with anorexia nervosa just by looking at them. The stereotype is often associated with someone who is visibly underweight, but this perception is misleading. Anorexia affects individuals of all body sizes. A person does not need to be underweight to have this condition. The focus is on behaviors, thoughts, and feelings around food and body image, rather than just physical appearance.¹

Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa

Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available for those diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. One such treatment is Family-Based Treatment (FBT), also known historically as the Maudsley Method, named after the Maudsley Hospital in London.

FBT is a robust approach that involves enlisting the support of healthy individuals in a person’s environment to aid in combating anorexia nervosa. The "family" in FBT refers to any supportive group of people who can help the person engage in pro-health behaviors and combat eating disorder urges. FBT has consistently shown efficacy for children, adolescents, and young adults.¹

Understanding the facts about anorexia nervosa and recognizing effective treatments like FBT is essential in providing the necessary support to those affected. Dispelling myths and spreading accurate information helps create a supportive environment for those in need, fostering paths toward recovery and health.

Sources:

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024a, January). Eating disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders
2. Rasmussen, S. M., Dalgaard, M. K., Roloff, M., Pinholt, M., Skrubbeltrang, C., Clausen, L., & Kjaersdam Telléus, G. (2023). Eating disorder symptomatology among transgender individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of eating disorders, 11(1), 84. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00806-y
3. Eating disorders in men and boys. National Eating Disorders Association. (2024, March 8). https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/eating-disorders-in-men-and-boys/