Nine truths about eating disorders

Eating disorders are complex and they are often hard to understand if you are not a trained specialist. Eating disorders come in various form. To help you to understand more on this illness we have highlighted 9 truths about eating disorders that were published by the AED (Academy of Eating Disorders). These truths were also highlighted at the Third Irish National Eating Disorder Conference 2018 which was supported by BodyWhys (Ireland's national eating disorder association). healthpro attended this conference to join in the conversation on how to improve awareness on eating disorders. 

Nine truths about Eating Disorders 

Truth 1: Many people with eating disorders look healthy, yet they maybe extremely ill. 

Truth 2: Families are not to blame, and can be the patients' and providers' best allies in treatment. 

Truth 3: An eating disorder is a health crisis, that disrupts personal and family functioning. 

Truth 4: Eating disorders are not choices, they are serious biologically influenced illnesses. 

Truth 5: Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, body shapes, weights, sexual orientations and socio economic statuses. 

Truth 6: Eating disorders carry an increased risk for both suicide and medical complications. 

Truth 7: Genes and environment play important roles in the development of eating disorder. 

Truth 8: Genes alone do not predict who will develop eating disorders. 

Truth 9: Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Early detection and intervention are important.

Are you seeking support for an eating disorder? 

If so please connect with your GP and ask to be referred to a specialist psychotherapist and dietitian. healthpro host a directory of specialists to seek a psychologist or psychotherapist please click here and / or to seek support from a specialist dietitian please click here

If you are a family member who has been affected by an eating disorder please seek support for yourself, this can be invaluable to help you navigate the journey. To book an appointment with a psychologist please click here

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