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Eating disorders are serious conditions that affect many individuals — yet there are still many misconceptions about them. Some people believe that those who suffer from eating disorders are simply choosing how they eat or want to look. Unfortunately, this belief is far from the truth and creates challenges that may hinder individuals from accessing the necessary treatment they truly need.
In this blog, we will discuss why eating disorders are not choices — but rather diseases — that can profoundly affect someone’s life. By looking at the different factors that contribute to these disorders, we hope to encourage understanding and compassion for those struggling. It is important to recognize that eating disorders are complex health issues that require professional treatment and support.
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions involving abnormal eating behaviors that significantly affect physical and emotional well-being. Common types include:1
- Anorexia nervosa – extreme food restriction and intense fear of gaining weight.
- Bulimia nervosa – cycles of binge eating followed by purging or other compensatory behaviors.
- Binge eating disorder (BED) – recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food without purging.
These disorders affect millions worldwide, with approximately 9% of the global population experiencing an eating disorder at some point in their lives. They can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, but research shows that young females are particularly vulnerable. The prevalence is highest among adolescents and young adults, with studies indicating that 1 in 5 females and 1 in 10 males may experience an eating disorder in their lifetime.2
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can lead to severe physical health complications, including heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, and even death. It is vital to seek early intervention and appropriate treatment as soon as possible, as they are crucial for recovery.
The Disease Model of Eating Disorders
The National Cancer Institute defines a disease as “an abnormal condition that affects the structure or function of part or all of the body, typically associated with specific signs and symptoms.” On the other hand, the National Library of Medicine offers a more nuanced perspective, stating that “core disease” is a verifiable, self-conscious experience of dysfunction or distress that feels overwhelming, threatening, and in need of intervention. In contrast, “conditioned diseases” are those classified as diseases based on sociocultural and medical consensus rather than universally accepted criteria.
Is anorexia a disease? What about other eating disorders?
Eating disorders meet the criteria of a disease, as they involve a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
- Biologically, genetics play a significant role, with research indicating that individuals with a family history of eating disorders are more likely to develop one themselves. Additionally, brain chemistry, particularly imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, can contribute to disordered eating behaviors.
- Psychologically, many people with eating disorders also experience co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which further complicates their relationship with food and body image.
- Social factors are also critical in the development of eating disorders. Cultural pressures — especially in societies prioritizing thinness — along with social media can create unrealistic body standards. Trauma (including emotional or physical abuse) and family dynamics (such as overly critical or controlling environments) may also trigger or worsen disordered eating behaviors.
These factors make eating disorders multi-faceted mental health conditions that require comprehensive treatment. The compassionate care at Magnolia Creek is designed to support recovery from these complex conditions.
Debunking Myths About Choice
One of the most harmful myths surrounding eating disorders is that they are a choice or simply a phase that individuals can outgrow. This misconception overlooks the fact that eating disorders are complex mental health conditions influenced by genetic, psychological, and social factors. They are not voluntary behaviors, nor can they be controlled by willpower alone.
How do these myths negatively affect individuals with eating disorders?
Viewing eating disorders as choices contributes to stigma, fostering a lack of empathy and understanding. This perception discourages individuals from seeking help and leads to feelings of shame and isolation. Recognizing eating disorders as a disease shifts the focus to proper treatment and support, allowing individuals to receive the care they need without judgment.
What can loved ones do to reduce this stigma?
For loved ones, understanding that eating disorders are not a choice helps create a compassionate and supportive environment, which is essential for recovery. Awareness and education in the community are critical in dispelling these harmful myths and promoting early intervention. Advocacy efforts can also reduce stigma and ensure that individuals with eating disorders are treated with the dignity and care they deserve.
Recovery Is Possible at Magnolia Creek
It is crucial to understand that eating disorders are diseases — not choices. These mental health disorders come from biological, psychological, and social factors that can seriously impact a person’s life. Changing the narrative surrounding eating disorders fosters a more empathetic approach to eating disorder treatment and encourages a supportive community for those affected.
What are the next steps?
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, call us or fill out the online contact form, and our admissions team can answer your questions and determine if Magnolia Creek is the right fit.
Recovery is possible, and with the proper support, individuals can find their way back to health. Together, we can work toward a better understanding of eating disorders and show compassion to those who need it most.
Resources
1 National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, January). Eating Disorders. National Institute of Mental Health.
2 Bunnell, D. (2024, April 30). Eating Disorder Statistics – National Eating Disorders Association. National Eating Disorders Association.
3 National Cancer Institute. (2011, February 2). Cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/disease. Cancer.gov.4 Kottow, M. H. (1980). A medical definition of disease. Medical Hypotheses, 6(2), 209–213.
