Some misunderstandings about anorexia are simple errors that are easily corrected. Others are more devious because they’re promoted by the person with the eating disorder who doesn’t want others to know about her eating disorder.
6. "Of course I don’t have an eating disorder problem. I’m not anorexic."
Some people struggling with this disease actually believe they are not ill. It is not unusual for some to be completely unaware of their problem and for others to do what ever they can to hide the condition.
7. Low carb diets are healthy.
Any diet that limits an entire group of foods should signal a warning. Any diet that emphasizes excessive consumption of one or two food groups should also be a warning. All foods, to some degree, fit into a healthy diet. Balance, variety and moderation is part of a healthy diet.
8. Laxatives prevent the absorption of calories.
Laxative abuse is common among people who have eating disorders. Some believe that by taking a laxative they can avoid the calories they’re eating. This just isn’t so. Laxatives work in the colon where there is no absorption of calories. Over use of laxatives depletes the body’s fluid balance so weight loss from laxatives generally means dehydration. This can damage the body and its ability to function from electrolyte imbalances and other medical complications. The colon can shut down permanently.
9. An eating disorder is a temporary way to lose weight.
No.. an eating disorder is a disease. It may start with dieting and then get out of control due to chemical changes it produces in the body. It can take over a person’s entire life because many become addicted to the behavior. Even when they know it may be harmful, they’re unable to stop limiting their caloric intake.
10. Fat free food is healthy.
Fat free food is neither healthy nor unhealthy. However, a low-fat or fat-free diet is not healthy. Fat is needed in the diet for the body and the brain to function well. The fact is daily healthy eating should include about 25% of calories from fat.
I hope the explanation of these fallacies and myths is helping you deal with who ever you may know that has an eating disorder. It’s important to understand what someone who is anorexic may be thinking to hide the condition. It’s also important for you to feel comfortable with what you know about the disease so that you can have a conversation about the disease without feeling anxious.
I have a few more myths about anorexia that I’ll cover in my next post.
To your well balance health.
Ruthan
Ruthan Brodsky provides content and information products for business and health care professionals who are marketing their services and products.
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