Eating Disorder Myths
Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Up to 10 million teens develop eating disorders which include anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. In today’s 60 Second Housecall, Dr. Ken Davis discusses some of the myths surrounding eating disorders.

Misconceptions about eating disorders might keep you or someone you love from getting needed help.

One of the most common myths is that you can tell someone is anorexic by their painfully thin appearance. In fact some anorexics may be only five to fifteen pounds underweight. They look thin, but they do not have what society considers the anorexic look.

Most people believe that bulimics always purge by vomiting. Purging can take the form of laxative use, diuretic abuse, excessive exercising or fasting.

Some believe that anorexics do not eat fattening foods. Many anorexics eat only very low fat foods, but some eat small amounts of sweets and other fattening foods.

Another myth is that you never fully recover from an eating disorder.  It may take a long time, but with proper emotional and nutritional counseling, many people with eating disorders can fully recover.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.