What is a myth?
People of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic statuses can be affected by eating disorders.
100
Anorexia is the only eating disorder.
What is a myth?
Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, EDNOS, etc.
100
Triggering material for eating disorders can be found in all types of media.
What is a fact?
References to eating disorders can be found in magazines, TV shows, movies, commercials and other forms of media today.
100
Even after control of the eating disorder, it can still have negative effects on a person's health.
What is a fact?
Eating disorders can cause life-long damage including heart problems, stomach problems, weak bones, and rotting teeth.
100
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any other mental illness.
What is a fact?
Up to 20% of those untreated for their eating disorders will die as a result of it.
200
Over 24 million people suffer from eating disorders in the US.
What is a fact?
200
Eating disorders are mental illnesses.
What is a fact?
Eating disorders are psychologically-based diseases, which makes it harder to treat than simply making a patient eat more.
200
Eating disorders are not very prevalent in sporting atmospheres.
What is a myth?
Sports like gymnastics, cheerleading and dance have very high rates of eating disorders, especially among female athletes.
200
Onset of eating disorders can occur in young children as well as adults.
What is fact?
There have even been cases of children as young as 6 years old.
200
For eating disorders the average amount of research dollars per affected individual was just $0.93, compared to $44 for each individual suffering from Autism.
What is a fact?
Much less research is being done on eating disorders, which can result in less people being treated successfully.
300
75% of women on college campuses have attempted to control their weight through dieting.
What is a myth?
91% of women have reported using dieting to control their weight.
300
Bulimia sufferers only use vomiting to get rid of eaten food.
What is a myth?
Bulimia sufferers can use vomiting, laxatives, water pills and compensatory exercise to rid their body of food.
300
The US has the highest eating disorder mortality rate.
What is a fact?
Over 200 people died from eating disorders in the US in 2004 alone.
300
The average length of time for inpatient eating disorder treatment is 4 to 6 weeks.
What is a myth?
The average length in inpatient treatment is 3-6 months, and some treatment can take even longer. This doesn't factor in outpatient rehabilitation.
300
Eating disorders can be cured by forcing someone to eat more.
What is a myth?
Forcing change may not be effective. The person with the eating disorder must be ready for change before they can get better.
400
You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by their physical appearance.
What is a myth?
Although extremely low body weight is an indicator of anorexia nervosa, many people with eating disorders look "healthy".
400
EDNOS is not considered an eating disorder.
What is a myth?
EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) can occur when a person exhibits some but not all symptoms of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
400
"Pro-Ana" and "Pro-Mia" social groups can be found online to give support or encourage disordered eating.
What is a fact?
These dangerous groups give tips for hiding anorexia and bulimia symptoms from loved ones in order to keep control of the disorder and not get professional help.
400
Eating disorders can stem from dieting.
What is a fact?
Eating disorder can start out as someone simply trying to control calories with a diet, but snowball into a more dangerous condition.
400
About 60-70% of patients fully recover after treatment.
What is a myth?
Only about 30-40% of patients in treatment will fully recover.
500
About 10-15% of men suffer from anorexia or bulimia.
What is a fact?
500
The onset of Binge Eating Disorder usually occurs during later adulthood.
What is a myth?
The onset of Binge Eating Disorder usually occurs in the late teens/early 20s
500
Television brought eating disorders to Fiji.
What is a fact?
A study done in Fiji showed a dramatic increase in eating disorders when television was brought to the native people in 1995.
500
You should wait until you experience serious health concerns before getting treatment for an eating disorder.
What is a myth?
Getting help sooner can benefit your physical and mental health drastically. If you wait until you are in the hospital for serious medical complications, it could be too late.
500
According to a recent study, over 1/2 the females between the ages of 18-25 would prefer to be run
over by a truck then be fat, and 2/3 surveyed would rather be mean or stupid.
What is a fact?
Being fat is one of the worst things you can call someone in today's world. There is more to your worth than your weight!