Each year, 30 million people suffer from eating disorders, yet it continues to be one of the most misunderstood conditions. In part one of our two-part series, we explored and debunked a couple common myths about these disorders.
One of those myths was that eating disorders was primarily about food. On the contrary, sufferers can't will themselves to eat more or less or healthier. There are often underlying, psychological problems that are causing their condition. People also believe that you can tell if someone is suffering from a disorder. Many times people don't appear to be drastically over or under weight.
Here are a couple more myths involving eating disorders:
1. Only women can be affected by eating disorders
It is true that more women than men struggle with eating disorders. Twenty million women suffer from the condition. However, men are not exempt from dealing with it as well. Currently 10 million men have an eating disorder. When broken down even further, about 40 percent of those who binge eat are men, and, according to a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, eating disorders are growing the fastest among boys and men.
2. People can stop themselves from having an eating disorder
Eating disorders are an illness, and, like any illness, they must be treated by professionals. While a sufferer can make the choice to begin recovery, he or she will need assistance going through it. A professional will not only treat their immediate health issues but also the underlying, psychological problems that caused the disorder.
Founded 25 years ago by Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef, Fairwinds Treatment Center uses a Dual Diagnosis method to treat patients with eating disorders and other health issues. Dual Diagnosis combines clinical treatment and therapeutic counseling to identify the underlying reasons for depression and resolve these psychological triggers.
