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Eating Disorders: Myths and Realities
Alyssa Hamel, DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN, is a board-certified psychiatric provider, educator and researcher specializing in eating disorders education.
Published February 20, 2026
National Eating Disorders Awareness week, observed Feb. 23 – March 1, 2026, raises understanding, challenges stigma and promotes access to care for individuals and families affected by eating disorders. This year’s theme, “Every BODY Belongs,” challenges the persistent myths about who develops eating disorders and what they look like.
To separate myth from fact, Alyssa Hamel, DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN, director of UB School of Nursing’s Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program, draws on her clinical expertise and research to address common misconceptions.
EATING DISORDERS: MYTHS VS. FACTS
Myth #1: Eating disorders only affect people who identify as female.
Fact: Eating disorders affect people of all genders and sexual identities.
Approximately one in three individuals with an eating disorder identifies as male, yet men are significantly less likely to be screened, diagnosed or referred for treatment. Additionally, LGBTQIA+ individuals experience higher rates of eating disorders than their heterosexual and cisgender peers and often present with more severe symptoms when entering care. Minority stress, stigma, discrimination, trauma exposure and barriers to affirming health care all contribute to increased vulnerability. Eating disorders do not discriminate – but access to diagnosis and
Myth #2: Eating disorders are selfish, and people choose to have them.
Fact: No one chooses to develop an eating disorder.
In the United States alone, eating disorders directly contribute to approximately 10,200 deaths each year, equating to one death every 52 minutes. While anorexia nervosa is frequently cited as having the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, other eating disorders also have elevated mortality risks.
Eating disorders emerge from a complex interaction of genetic, biological, environmental, psychological and temperament-based factors. For many, disordered eating behaviors function as coping strategies in response to distress, trauma, anxiety, depression or overwhelming life circumstances. Labeling eating disorders as “selfish” increases shame, deepens stigma and delays help-seeking, all of which worsen outcomes. Compassion, curiosity and understanding are essential for healing.
Myth #3: Eating disorders are about vanity or wanting to be thin.
Fact: Eating disorders are rarely about appearance.
For many individuals, eating disorders reflect deep psychological pain, emotional distress, trauma exposure, shame, developmental challenges, food insecurities or metabolic vulnerability. Food- and body-related behaviors often become tools for managing overwhelming internal experiences, not expressions of vanity. Simplifying eating disorders to appearance-based motivations overlooks their complexity and minimizes the profound suffering involved.
Myth #4: Once someone has an eating disorder, they will never fully recover.
Fact: Recovery is possible, and many people go on to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.
While recurrence of symptoms can occur, particularly when care is delayed, “recovery” is achievable. Recovery looks different for each individual and may involve ongoing support, flexibility and self-compassion. With timely, evidence-based and person-centered treatment, individuals can build nourishing lives aligned with their values, goals and identities.
Myth #5: Eating disorders are a “teenage problem.”
Fact: Eating disorders affect people across the lifespan.
Although eating disorders often emerge during adolescence – a period marked by brain development, identity formation and emotional vulnerability – they affect individuals of all ages. Children, adults and older adults can and do experience eating disorders. These conditions do not discriminate by age, background or life stage.
Myth #6: People with a “normal” body weight cannot have an eating disorder.
Fact: Most individuals with eating disorders are not medically underweight.
Less than 6% of individuals with eating disorders meet criteria for being medically underweight. Eating disorders occur across the entire weight spectrum. The belief that eating disorders must look a certain way is dangerous. It prevents screening, delays diagnosis and discourages individuals from seeking care because they may feel they are “not sick enough.” Eating disorders are mental health conditions, not solely weight disorders.
Moving Toward Awareness, Access and Compassion
Eating disorders thrive in silence, stigma and misunderstanding. By challenging harmful myths and promoting accurate, compassionate education, we can foster early intervention, expand access to care and support recovery.
About the Author
Alyssa Hamel, DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN, is director of the Psychiatric/Mental Health program and a clinical professor at UB School of Nursing. A board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, educator and researcher, she specializes in eating disorders and advances non-stigmatizing, person-centered care across clinical practice and higher education. She began her career at Western New York’s largest mental health agency, BestSelf Behavioral Health, where she served as the primary psychiatric provider for its comprehensive eating disorders program, one of the few in the region serving underserved populations. She now owns a private practice and continues to lead nationally as co-chair of the Academy for Eating Disorders Professionals & Recovery Special Interest Group and as an ambassador for the Eating Disorders Coalition. She will present her latest work, “Advancing Culturally Informed, Person-Centered Eating Disorder Education, at an R1 Research Institution” during the 2026 International Conference on Eating Disorders at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands.