World Mental Health Day- Raising Awareness around Eating Disorders

Written By: Cassidy Wolfe, RD, LD

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a time to encourage efforts to support those who are struggling and shed light and education around the topic of mental health. At Karuna, our dietitians believe in the importance of reducing stigma and discrimination around mental health. Since the body and brain are incredibly intertwined, mental health can directly impact behaviors and relationships with food.

This month, we are focusing on eating disorders, a key area of mental health. Some people are surprised to learn that eating disorders are in fact mental illnesses. Eating disorders are often seen as disorders of choice when that is the furthest thing from the truth. In this blog post, we will delve into some common misconceptions around eating disorders and provide education on the importance of reaching out for help and support.

Eating Disorders are Mental Illnesses

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) has recognized eating disorders as mental illnesses since the 1980s. Each eating disorder in the DSM has clear diagnostic criteria and is based on founded research. Eating disorders are complex biopsychosocial disorders and often cross into the medical territory, which make them difficult to treat and are incredibly multi-faceted. As such, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder with the exception of opioid overdose. Over the years, we have seen a rise in eating disorders and saw a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research even indicates that the number of teenagers with eating disorders at least doubled during the pandemic, which is why bringing awareness around these mental illnesses is even more important.

Myths Around Eating Disorders

Myth: Eating disorders are just about food and are a choice

Fact: Many people mistakingly believe that eating disorders are only about food, calories, weight, or body shape. As a result, many loved ones may suggest to simply “eat more food” or “eat less food.” However, these illnesses are complex and are rooted in biological, psychological, and sociocultural causes. Many eating disorders and behaviors associated with disordered eating start as an attempt to control an aspect of one’s life. Oftentimes, there is a root cause for the behavior and is not just about the food itself. Because eating disorders are individual and complex, they require a full team of professionals including a combination of medical, psychiatric, therapeutic, and nutrition expertise. Here at Karuna, we have eating disorder informed dietitians to help you if you believe you or someone you love are struggling with an eating disorder.

Myth: Eating disorders are a female illness

Fact: Eating disorders affect people of all gender identities, races, and ages. Many people hold the belief that eating disorders only affect females or young girls, but males make up a significant portion. Recent data shows that 6.6 million males will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. This myth often leads to underdiagnosis in men. In the LGBTQ community, eating disorders are especially prevalent. LGBTQ adults and adolescents experience greater incidence of eating disorders and disordered eating than heterosexual and cisgender individuals. People who identify as trans or gender noncomforming are actually 4 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than cis-gender individuals. It remains incredibly important to us here at Karuna to provide safe, affirming care to those we meet with.

Myth: Only thin people have an eating disorder

Fact: Eating disorders can impact people of all sizes and weights. The misconception that an eating disorder only occurs in someone very thin leads to delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, even by professionals. This misconception highlights the importance of seeing eating disorder specialists to ensure safe diagnosis and early treatment. For those whose weight falls in a “normal” range per their BMI or weight classification, their eating disorders are often missed. Additionally, eating disorder symptoms and behaviors can shift over time, leading to misdiagnosis. In fact, only about 6% of people diagnosed with an eating disorder are underweight. People in larger bodies who are struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating are too often prescribed diets, bariatric surgery, and GLP-1s or weight loss medications. These recommendations are incredibly harmful for those with disordered eating and eating disorders. As such, this myth that eating disorders are tied to thinness is harmful. 

For those who are struggling, we recognize eating disorders are not a choice but there are choices you can make to move towards healing. If you or someone you love is struggling with disordered eating, please reach out for support. We offer eating disorder informed nutrition care and are here to support you on your journey. Reach out to Karuna today!

Resources:

Hartman-Munick SM, Lin JA, Milliren CE, et al. Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic With Adolescent and Young Adult Eating Disorder Care Volume. JAMA Pediatr. 2022;176(12):1225–1232. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.4346

Deloitte Access Economics. (2020). The Social and Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in the United States of America: A Report for the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders and the Academy for Eating Disorders. Available at: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/striped/report-economic-costs-of-eating-disorders/

Parker, L.L., Harriger, J.A. Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in the LGBT population: a review of the literature. J Eat Disord 8, 51 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-020-00327-y