4 Myths About Eating Disorders to Stop Believing

Unless you personally know someone who has been affected by an eating disorder, your only reference might be what you see in TV shows and movies. While it’s valuable to bring attention to these serious and complex illnesses, media outlets don't always show realistic depictions of eating disorders. They are often exaggerated and used just for plot devices — or worse, as a punchline.

To get a better idea of how an eating disorder can affect someone’s life, or be more supportive of a loved one with an eating disorder, here are some outdated myths about eating disorders that need to be debunked.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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