Myths&Facts
Myth or Fact: Eating disorder is not harmful
Eating disorder carry a risk of increased death
True or False: Those who suffer from anorexia often live isolated lives
True: Anorexia patients often live isolated lives and inhibit themselves from social interaction. They often have low energy due to lack of nutrition. Therefore they focus all their resources on themselves to survive and thus external relationships decline in importance.
What are majority of anorexia patients suffering from? (33-50%)
Anxiety and mood disorders
Do you think eating disorders are a lifestyle choice?
Most people tend to believe eating disorders are a choice, hence they are less likely to empathize with eating disorder patients
What are specific career paths which are more likely to be pursued by anorexic patients?
Ballet , athletes
Myth or Fact: Eating disorders affect women only
Men are just as likely to develop eating disorders but are less likely to seek treatment
All eating disorder patients have the same way of forming and cultivating relationships
False: Extroverted anorexia patients tend to be more novelty-seeking & impulsive when it comes to maintaining a stable relationship
What are some actions of anorexic patients to control their weight?
Restricting food intake
What are some stigma faced by patients struggling with eating disorders?
Anorexic patients are commonly thought of as vain due to their preoccupation with body image
What are anorexic patients (unconsciously) coming to terms with?
Trauma, violence, abuse
Myth or Fact: Eating disorders will be cured once they start to eat again.
Eating disorders are not just only about food. It goes deeper into thought patterns and one's mental health
Do you think eating disorders affect communication in relationships?
Eating disorders pose many challenges to effective communication in relationships as they tend to be secretive
What are some actions that indicate people are suffering from bulimia?
Excess exercising, purging
What are the consequences of stigma regarding eating disorders?
Patients may not seek help for their disorder
What could possibly cause bulimia?
The exact cause is unknown, but bulimia can be genetic, and can also stem from thought patterns and habits formed during childhood
Myth or Fact: People choose to have an eating disorder.
Eating disorder is a serious illness, not a choice.
Do you think eating disorders affect the emotional health in a relationship?
Eating disorders can create feelings of helplessness and drive a wedge in relationships
What are some physical symptoms of bulimia?
Sore throat, dental problems from purging
True or False: People with eating disorders are attention seeking
False: They are not seeking for attention. Eating disorders are signs of something deeper, such as them coping with unresolved trauma
What are some sociocultural factors linked to bulimia?
Peer pressure, diet trends