“Weight stigma poses a significant threat to psychological and physical health. It has been documented as a significant risk factor for depression, low self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction,” according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses that affect everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, size, age, or background. In fact, eating disorders have the second (opioids recently took the #1 spot) highest mortality rate of any mental health diagnosis. National surveys estimate that in America 20 million women and 10 million men will develop an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Georgia Tech is not immune to these numbers. “If we apply national college data to Georgia Tech, there are roughly 1000 students on campus with a diagnosable eating disorder,” said Health Initiatives dietitian, Amber Johnson.

Across the nation February 25th through March 3rd is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This week is focused on garnering awareness around risk factors, health consequences, and available resources. Eating disorders are often misunderstood and can be swept under the rug. We are debunking some of the myths associated with these mental health disorders to help you make better informed decisions should you or someone you know struggle with an eating disorder.

Myth 1: Eating disorders are a choice.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders are biologically influenced medical illnesses and not lifestyle choices. The exact cause of eating disorders is not fully understood, but research suggests these disorders are a combination of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. However, remember biology is not destiny! Treatment plans for eating disorders include psychotherapy, medical care, and monitoring, nutrition counseling, medications, or a combination of all of these approaches.

Myth 2: Eating disorders are not that serious.

Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental health illness. They can also lead to severe medical complications from binge eating, purging, starvation, and over-exercise. Eating disorders can harm the heart, digestive system, bones, and lead to other diseases. People who struggle with eating disorders are enduring intense emotional distress which can severely impact their quality of life.

Myth 3: Only overtly skinny people can have eating disorders.

Eating disorders manifest in many different ways. It does not discriminate against shape or size and there is no one size fits all. You cannot determine if someone has healthy eating habits based on their body type. An individual can experience a severe eating disorder at any weight.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder you do not need to go through it alone. Georgia Tech has a multidisciplinary Eating Disorder Treatment Team made up of representatives from Primary Care, Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Nutrition, and the Counseling Center. This team creates individualized recovery plans for students with symptoms of an eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating, and other disordered eating behaviors. To address any of these concerns call Health Initiatives at 404-894-9980 to make an appointment to speak with a dietitian.