Nine Truths about Eating Disorders

Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness; anorexia actually has a higher mortality rate than depression. Here are nine truths about eating disorders.

Truth #1: Many people with eating disorders look healthy, yet may be extremely ill.

Truth #2: Families are not to blame, and can be the patients’ and providers’ best allies in treatment.

Truth #3: An eating disorder diagnosis is a health crisis that disrupts personal and family functioning.

Truth #4: Eating disorders are not choices, but serious biologically influenced illnesses.

Truth #5: Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, body shapes and weights, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses.

Truth #6: Eating disorders carry an increased risk for both suicide and medical complications.

Truth #7: Genes and environment play important roles in the development of eating disorders.

Truth #8: Genes alone do not predict who will develop eating disorders.

Truth #9: Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Early detection and intervention are

If you are concerned you or a loved one may have an eating disorder please contact your GP for advice and a possible referral. There are public specialist eating disorders services in all major centres.

You can also contact:

Eating Disorder Association of NZ (EDANZ)
0800 2 EDANZ or (09) 522 2679
EDANZ is run by parents, caregivers, and people who have fully recovered from eating disorders and offers support, advice and resources.

New Zealand Eating Disorders Clinic (NZEDC)
09 962 6236
NZEDC is a private treatment provider.

Please feel free to share this post as one of the biggest barriers to treatment of an eating disorder is lack of information. #9truths