Eating disorder myths

​I have just done an eating disorder online course with Inside Out. It was very helpful for me to up-skill in this area to help clients with disordered eating. Here are some myths and facts about eating disorders.
Myths 1- parents do not cause their children to have eating disorders.
There are many factors which contribute to people having an eating disorder. Dieting is the single biggest contributing factor to developing an eating disorder. Other factors are: having high expectations or trouble regulating emotions, anxiety, depression, genetics, focusing on appearance in the family, friends or on social media, and following pursuits focusing on weight (dancing, athletes, actors).
Myth 2- everyone who has an eating disorder is female.
Actually one-third of people with eating disorders are males.
Myth 3- people with eating disorders are seeking attention.
Eating disorders are, in fact, serious mental illnesses. Sometimes people develop an eating disorder as a way of coping with personal challenges or as a way to numb difficult emotions. 
Myth 4- bingeing is a sign of weakness.
Bingeing is not showing weakness but is a natural response to dieting. When we restrict the food we eat, sometimes to the extent of starvation, hunger increases and drives us to eat for survival. The key to recovery from eating disorders is eliminating dieting thoughts and behaviours. Other things to aid recovery include people accepting their own size and shape and not compromising health for appearance.

If you know anyone who needs help see
Butterfly foundation: https://butterfly.org.au/ 
Inside out: https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/
Of course anyone with concerns is welcome to book into see me about these issues.