Common Myths About Eating Disorders in Young Adults

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC
Updated November 4, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Living with an eating disorder can turn everyday life into a challenge, especially for young adults. Eating disorders can affect not just physical health but also mental and emotional health, making it hard to focus, enjoy meals, or even socialize. These challenges are often coupled with widespread myths that can complicate how people view and manage these disorders. 

Help is available, and it's possible to overcome eating disorders even when it seems overwhelming. Clearing up misunderstandings about these disorders can be an important first step. With the right help and treatment, young adults can enjoy fulfilling lives free from the challenges of eating disorders.

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Eating disorders can be difficult to overcome alone

What are eating disorders in young adults?

The risk of eating disorders among college students in the U.S. rose significantly, jumping by 13 percentage points between 2013 and 2020-2021. Eating disorders in young adults often involve harmful behaviors to gain or lose weight. These behaviors can include skipping meals, binge eating, and engaging in extreme forms of dieting. Many people develop eating disorders during their teenage years, which can extend into their twenties.

Warning signs to watch for may include significant weight changes, obsession with food, and distress about body image. Young adults may be pressured by social media and peer comparisons, which may worsen these problems.

Health problems that arise from eating disorders can be severe. Left unmanaged, eating disorders may cause digestive issues, heart problems, and a weakened immune system. If you or someone you know is showing signs of an eating disorder, it may be time to seek help.

Most common types of eating disorders in young adults

Eating disorders can take various forms and affect people in different ways. The following are some specific and prevalent types of eating disorders that young adults might experience.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder in which a person typically restricts their food intake because they are afraid of gaining weight. This condition can lead to drastic weight loss and serious health consequences. People with anorexia often have a distorted body image, seeing themselves as overweight even if they are underweight.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person typically goes through cycles of eating a lot of food in a short time, known as binge eating. After these episodes, they often experience a need to get rid of the food by vomiting, exercising too much, or using laxatives. During a binge, it might seem like they can't control how much they're eating, and afterward, they often experience a strong sense of guilt or shame about what they've done.

Binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder typically involves consuming large amounts of food quickly, even if a person isn’t hungry. Unlike bulimia, binge eating disorder does not usually involve purging behaviors. This disorder can lead to weight gain and related health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Symptoms may include eating in secret, feeling ashamed about eating habits, and experiencing distress over binge eating.

The seriousness of eating disorders can vary from person to person. Some people may show clear signs and noticeable changes in their behavior, while others might have more subtle symptoms that are harder to see.

Common myths about eating disorders in young adults

Eating disorders in young adults are typically surrounded by many myths. Believing these myths may prevent people from getting help.

Myth 1: Eating disorders are just a phase young adults go through

Some people may think that eating disorders are a temporary problem that young adults will eventually outgrow. However, eating disorders are serious mental disorders that typically require treatment. They usually do not simply go away with time. Ignoring early signs of an eating disorder may lead to severe health problems. 

Myth 2: Only women experience eating disorders in college

Many believe that only women, especially adolescent girls, experience eating disorders. In reality, eating disorders affect people of all genders. Studies suggest that eating disorders will affect around  men and boys at some point in their lives. This myth can prevent men from seeking help. Eating disorders in men may be underdiagnosed because of this misconception.

Myth 3: Eating disorders are a choice young adults make

Some people may think that eating disorders are simply bad choices made by young adults. This is false. Eating disorders are typically complex conditions influenced by genetics, environment, and personality traits. They are not simply a matter of choice or willpower. Blaming young adults for their eating disorders can discourage them from seeking help. 

Myth 4: You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by their appearance in social settings

Many people may believe you can easily spot someone with an eating disorder based on their appearance. Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of how they look. People with eating disorders often go to great lengths to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult to spot them just by observing them. 

Eating disorders are not just phases or choices but complex challenges that generally require professional help. By breaking down these myths, we can help young adults get the help they need.

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The connection between mental health and eating disorders

Mental health and eating disorders tend to be deeply connected. Emotional difficulties like low self-esteem and anxiety may contribute to disordered eating behaviors. For many young adults, having a distorted body image can create pressure to look a certain way. This pressure often pushes them to develop harmful eating behaviors in an attempt to reach an unrealistic idea of beauty.

Eating disorders are typically not just about food. They may develop from a need to have control over one's life. Anxiety and depression may cause people to develop these eating habits as a way to cope with their emotions. 

The effects of disordered eating on mental health can be serious. For example, someone with an eating disorder might be isolated and depressed. This can create a harmful cycle where both their mental health and their physical health get worse over time.

How to manage an eating disorder as a young adult

Managing an eating disorder as a young adult may involve practical steps such as keeping a food journal, practicing mindful eating, and focusing on self-care. These actions may help manage eating patterns and improve overall well-being.

Keep a food journal

Keeping a food journal may be a helpful way to track eating habits and emotional triggers. By writing down everything eaten each day, along with emotions and hunger levels, young adults may notice patterns. An awareness of these patterns may help them make more positive choices.

Practice mindful eating

Mindful eating is about being present during meals and paying attention to your body's hunger and fullness signals. Eating slowly and avoiding distractions, such as phones or TV, may help you enjoy each bite and recognize when you're satisfied. To start practicing mindful eating, you might try taking smaller bites and chewing thoroughly. You can also focus on the taste, texture, and smell of your food. Over time, mindful eating may reduce overeating and improve your relationship with food.

Educate yourself about nutrition

Learning about various foods, essential nutrients, and portion sizes may empower healthy choices. You don't have to become an expert, but educating yourself on the basics may be beneficial. You might consult online resources, books, or a specialist in nutrition counseling, who may be able to give you advice tailored to your needs. Knowledge about nutrition can also help debunk myths about dieting and weight.

Focus on self-care

Focusing on self-care may include regular physical activities, adequate sleep, and stress-relieving activities like reading or meditation. Developing a routine that prioritizes well-being can strengthen both body and mind. Hobbies and social activities can divert focus from food and eating patterns for a fuller, more balanced life.

Avoid negative influences

Negative influences, such as unrealistic body standards and toxic relationships, may worsen an eating disorder. You might consider limiting your exposure to social media, fad diets, and comparisons to others. Creating a positive environment may mean unfollowing accounts that promote unhealthy behaviors and finding supportive communities.

Seek professional help

Professional help is often necessary to manage an eating disorder. This may include medication and monitoring of physical health during recovery. Also, mental health professionals may be able to offer therapy to help manage challenging thoughts and emotions related to an eating disorder. Therapists specializing in eating disorders can provide cognitive-behavioral therapy or other effective treatments. 

Finding support for eating disorders like binge eating disorder 

Young adults don't have to face eating disorders alone. Friends and family can often provide valuable emotional support. Also, therapists and doctors can offer guidance and treatment plans. For young adults who are in college, many campuses have counseling centers that can connect them with licensed professionals who understand eating disorders.

Support groups are another option. These groups typically provide a sense of community and can be found both locally or online. You can check out the  for resources and support groups.

Online therapy for young adults with eating disorders

If you, a friend, or a family member is experiencing an eating disorder, online therapy may be a helpful option to find treatment. Online therapy has made getting help easier, removing barriers like travel and wait times. This may be helpful for young adults who might otherwise delay or avoid seeking treatment due to logistics. 

Online therapy often offers flexible scheduling options, allowing young adults to choose times that fit their busy lives. This flexibility may help increase their likelihood of attending sessions regularly. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that provides a variety of licensed therapists and allows users to connect via messaging, phone, video sessions, or a combination of these modalities.

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Eating disorders can be difficult to overcome alone

Is online therapy effective for mental health conditions?

Online therapy has been shown to be effective in treating various mental health conditions, including eating disorders and comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

One study compared the effectiveness of online therapy for people with bulimia to a traditional 16-week program at a clinic. Both online and in-person options led to significant improvements, showing they could be potential ways to help more people get the care they need.

Takeaway

Eating disorders are serious mental disorders that can lead to eating behavior challenges and worries about body image. The main types of eating disorders in young adults include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. There are many misunderstandings about these disorders, such as the idea that only women can have them. However, anyone can experience eating disorders, and they can have significant effects on a person’s physical and mental health. 

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, know that you don’t have to face it alone. With BetterHelp, you can be matched with a counselor who has experience helping people with eating disorders. Take the first step toward getting support with an eating disorder and reach out to BetterHelp today.

Healing from eating disorders is possible
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