Busting harmful eating disorder myths

Myth: young men don't suffer from eating disorders. Fact: about of 40 per cent of Binge Eating Disorder, 10 per cent of Anorexia Nervosa and 10-15 per cent of Bulimia Nervosa cases between adolescence and early adulthood occur in males.

headspace launched the latest in its series of MythBusters - this time dispelling some harmful myths around eating disorders.

headspace chief executive Chris Tanti said that separating fact from fiction, will help prevent and overcome eating disorders.

"It's ridiculous that some people still think about eating disorders as attention-seeking trends or a fads - it does nothing to help young people," Mr Tanti said.

"Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that are caused by a combination of factors. It is misguided to blame someone for an eating disorder - either the individual affected or their family.

"All you have to do is talk to someone suffering from an eating disorder to see it's no lifestyle choice. Quite simply, eating disorders can destroy lives.

"The headspace MythBuster series breakdown such stereotypes and provide helpful information to young people and their families. Recognising the symptoms or warning signs of eating disorders is critical, as early treatment increases the chances of fully recovering and recovering faster," he said.

One young person told headspace "it wasn't until I told my closest friend what was going on that I realised what I was doing to myself. She helped me find the help I needed. I've been seeing someone every week and even though it was one of the hardest things to do, it has helped so much."

headspace media contact:
Dave Bell
Tel: 03 9027 0129
Mob: 0413 025 385
Email: dbell@headspace.org.au