As a clinical psychologist, I’ve worked with many people struggling with eating disorders, severe mental health conditions that deeply affect a person’s relationship with food and their body. They often involve extreme behaviours that take a serious toll on both physical and mental health. When you see people recover and regain control over their lives with the right support, therapy and care, it’s wonderful. It’s inspiring to witness the positive changes people make when they start addressing the underlying emotional struggles and unhealthy behaviours. There are a few myths about eating disorders that can make it harder for people to get help and I want to clear some of these up.

Eating disorders are just about food. Eating disorders often serve as a way of coping with deeper emotional issues, like stress, anxiety, or past trauma. For example, one of my clients found that she would restrict her eating when she felt overwhelmed with her workload or her family situation. Food became a way for her to feel in control during chaotic times.

Only women get eating disorders. Around 1 in 4 people with eating disorders are male, but they often don’t get the help they need because of stereotypes about men and body image. I treat many males, some aged in their 60s and 70s.

Eating disorders are a choice. Eating disorders are not a choice or something someone does for attention. They are serious mental health conditions that develop from a mix of factors, including biology, life experiences, and mental health struggles. For instance, many of my clients’ eating disorders develop after years of dealing with bullying and feeling pressured to meet society’s unrealistic beauty standards.

You have to be underweight to have an eating disorder. Eating disorders don’t always mean someone is underweight and you can’t tell from looking at someone if they have an eating disorder. Eating disorders affect people of all sizes and the focus of treatment is on behaviours and mental health.

People with eating disorders just want attention. Most people with eating disorders feel ashamed and hide their behaviours.

Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Binge-eating disorder, the most common, is especially important to recognise, as it affects many people who don’t fit the stereotypical image of someone with an eating disorder.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to seek help early. Eating disorders can cause serious health problems, but with the right treatment, such as therapy, medical and nutritional support, recovery is possible.

Check out the Butterfly Foundation or talk to your GP as a first step. For professionals looking to learn more, my book, Eating Disorders: A Practitioner’s Guide to Psychological Care is a helpful book to guide your approach.