3 things to know about eating disorders

1. There is no “look” to identify a person with an eating disorder
2. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are NOT the most common eating disorders
3. Eating Disorders do not have 1 single cause

No one can definitively diagnose another person with an eating disorder simply by looking at them. Why? Because people with eating disorders come in all shapes, sizes, genders, ages, abilities, and skin colors. Persons in very large bodies can be suffering with anorexia and people in smaller bodies can be engaging in binge eating.

Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder affecting approximately 3% of Americans right now.

Eating disorders are complex biopsychosocial illnesses. Eating disorders are rooted in genetics and neurobiology and triggered or fueled by internal and external environmental stressors. Overlapping causes and circumstances create an extraordinarily unique situation for each individual. Please stop blaming the individual for trying a diet, the parents for setting high standards, or the coach for tough workouts. A single advertisement does not cause an eating disorder. The illness is a culmination of many factors.

The most important thing to know about eating disorders?

Recovery is Possible!