Who can develop an eating disorder? the answer may surprise you

Eating Disorders Affect Everyone – Breaking the Stereotypes

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When people think of eating disorders, a common image comes to mind: a young, thin, white woman struggling with food. However, this stereotype is far from reality. Eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect individuals across all genders, ages, races, body sizes, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
 
In this blog, we will explore the myths vs. facts about who can develop an eating disorder, the impact of stigma on diagnosis and treatment, and how we can change the conversation to be more inclusive and supportive.

Common myths about eating disorders

Myth 1: Eating disorders only affect young, thin, white women

Fact: Eating disorders impact people of all races, genders, and ages.

  • Men make up 25-30% of eating disorder cases, yet they are significantly underdiagnosed.
  • Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are 50% less likely to receive an eating disorder diagnosis despite experiencing similar rates of disordered eating.
  • Older adults and children can also struggle with eating disorders, but their symptoms are often dismissed.

Myth 2: You must be underweight to have an eating disorder

Fact: Most people with eating disorders are not underweight.

  • Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is three times more common than anorexia, yet it is often overlooked due to weight stigma.
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  • Many people with atypical anorexia face severe medical complications, even if they are in larger bodies.

Myth 3: Eating disorders are just about food and weight

Fact: Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions.

  • They are often linked to trauma, anxiety, depression, and societal pressures.
  • Recovery requires psychological, emotional, and medical support beyond just changing eating habits.

Beyond Food and Weight

Why Stereotypes Are Harmful

The misconception that eating disorders only affect a narrow group of people leads to misdiagnosis, lack of access to treatment, and increased stigma.

➔ Delayed or missed diagnoses: Healthcare providers may not recognise symptoms in people who don’t fit the stereotype.
➔ Weight stigma in healthcare: Many people in larger bodies struggling with eating disorders are told to “just lose weight” instead of receiving proper care.
➔ Cultural and gender biases: BIPOC, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals often face additional barriers to getting treatment.

How We Can Change the Narrative

✔ Raise awareness that eating disorders affect everyone, not just one demographic.

✔ Train healthcare professionals to recognise eating disorders in all body types, genders, and ethnicities.

✔ Challenge weight stigma and avoid assuming that someone’s health is determined by their size.

✔ Make resources accessible to all individuals, including those historically overlooked.

Changing the Narrative Around Eating Disorders

To foster a more inclusive understanding of eating disorders, it is crucial to raise awareness that these conditions can affect anyone, regardless of demographic factors. By educating the public and healthcare professionals, we can dismantle the myths that limit recognition and treatment of these disorders.

Training healthcare professionals to identify eating disorders across all body types, genders, and ethnicities is essential. This training should emphasise the importance of challenging weight stigma and recognising that size cannot solely determine health. Additionally, making resources accessible to all individuals,  historically overlooked, is vital for effective support and recovery.

Resources for support

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You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating, or body image concerns? You’re not alone, and support is here for you.

I specialise in helping individuals rebuild a healthy relationship with food and themselves. Whether you seek guidance, therapy, or someone who understands, I’m here to help.

Let’s take the first step together. Click below to start your journey toward healing.

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Becky Stone, Eating Disorder Therapist, smiling in her modern office with a dual-screen setup displaying her website, offering online support and therapy for eating disorders.