Myths and facts about eating disorders
Myths about eating disorders can stop people from noticing the signs, asking for help or being taken seriously. Here are some of the most common ones, and the facts.
Myths and facts
Myth
Eating disorders are a choice, a phase or about vanity
Fact: Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses. Nobody chooses to have one. They develop from a mix of genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors.
Myth
You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them
Fact: Eating disorders affect people of all shapes and sizes. Many people with an eating disorder are in average-sized or larger bodies, and they can be just as unwell.
Myth
Only teenage girls get eating disorders
Fact: Eating disorders affect people of every gender, age, culture and background. About 1 in 3 people with an eating disorder in Australia is male. See who eating disorders affect.
Myth
Parents and families cause eating disorders
Fact: There’s no evidence that parenting causes eating disorders. Families are often a key part of recovery, and family-based treatment is one of the most effective treatments for young people.
Myth
Dieting is harmless
Fact: Dieting is one of the biggest risk factors for an eating disorder, and most eating disorders start with dieting or other disordered eating. Strict dieting can also affect mood, energy and health.
Myth
It’s a cry for attention
Fact: Many people hide their eating disorder because of shame, fear or stigma, or don’t realise they’re unwell. This is one reason people often wait years before getting help.
Myth
Binge eating is just a lack of willpower
Fact: Binge eating disorder is a serious mental illness, and one of the most common eating disorders in Australia. It isn’t about willpower. It’s often linked to distress, and to restricting food.
Myth
ARFID is just picky eating
Fact: ARFID is a serious eating disorder that can affect health, growth and everyday life. It’s more common in autistic people and people with ADHD, and it usually needs support to improve.
Myth
You have to be really sick to deserve help
Fact: Anyone who is struggling with food, eating or their body deserves support. You don’t need a diagnosis to ask for help, and getting help early leads to better outcomes.
Myth
Eating disorders are for life
Fact: Recovery is possible, at any age and at any stage, even after living with an eating disorder for many years.
Who eating disorders affect
Eating disorders can affect anyone. Some groups are at higher risk, or are more likely to be overlooked, so they may not get help as early as they should.
- Men and boysAbout 1 in 3 people with an eating disorder in Australia is male. Signs can be missed, especially when the focus is on muscles, fitness or ‘clean’ eating rather than weight loss.
- LGBTQIA+ peopleLGBTQIA+ people, including trans and gender diverse people, are at higher risk, partly because of stigma, discrimination and body image pressures. QLife (1800 184 527) offers LGBTQIA+ peer support.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peopleEating disorders affect First Nations people too, but they’re often missed, and research is limited. Culturally safe care matters. 13YARN (13 92 76) offers 24/7 support from First Nations crisis supporters.
- People from all culturesEating disorders happen in every culture and community. Stigma and language can make it harder to ask for help. If English isn’t your first language, TIS National (131 450) can provide a phone interpreter.
- People in larger bodiesPeople in larger bodies can have any eating disorder, including restrictive ones like atypical anorexia, but weight stigma means they’re often told to diet instead of being offered help.
- Neurodivergent peopleAutistic people and people with ADHD are more likely to have an eating disorder, including ARFID. Read about eating disorders and neurodivergence.
- Adults of every ageEating disorders can start, or come back, at any age, including during big life changes such as pregnancy, menopause, retirement or loss.
- Athletes, dancers and people with diabetesSports and activities that focus on weight or appearance, and health conditions such as diabetes, can raise the risk.
Sources
Sources: Butterfly Foundation, Myths about eating disorders; Deloitte Access Economics (2024), Paying the Price, second edition, for Butterfly Foundation; National Eating Disorders Collaboration, priority populations.
Whoever you are, you deserve support
If you’re worried about yourself or someone else, talk to your GP or call the Butterfly Helpline on 1800 33 4673.
Common questions
How common are eating disorders in Australia?
About 1.1 million Australians are living with an eating disorder, and only around 30% of them get help (Deloitte Access Economics, 2024).
Can men and boys get eating disorders?
Yes. About 1 in 3 people with an eating disorder in Australia is male. Signs can look different, such as a focus on muscles or fitness, so they’re often missed.
Can you have an eating disorder without being underweight?
Yes. Eating disorders affect people of all shapes and sizes, and you can’t tell by looking at someone. Many people with an eating disorder are in average-sized or larger bodies.
What causes eating disorders?
There’s no single cause. Eating disorders develop from a mix of genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors. Dieting, stress, trauma and body image pressures can all play a part. They are never a choice, and never anyone’s fault.
Can you fully recover from an eating disorder?
Yes. Recovery is possible at any age and stage, even after many years. The earlier someone gets support, the better, but it’s never too late.
You can recover. You are not alone ❤️
Read how others found their way through recovery.