The National Eating Disorders Association Joins Other Prominent Treatment, Advocacy & Research Groups to Adopt '9 Truths' About Eating Disorders

    NEW YORK, NY, May 21, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), in conjunction with 12 other prominent eating disorder treatment, advocacy and research groups, has established a list of nine universal "truths" about eating disorders.

Commented Claire Mysko, director of programs for NEDA, "Misconceptions about eating disorders pervade our culture - showing up everywhere from the cover of magazines to diagnoses at the doctor's office. It's time to set the record straight. Professionals agree that these nine facts are the baseline of understanding that everyone should have about eating disorders. It is our collective hope that this will shine a focused spotlight on these life-threatening illnesses."

In the U.S., 20 million women and 10 million men will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or an eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) and millions more will struggle with destructive, disordered eating behaviors and thoughts that may fall outside of the diagnostic criteria. Many of these cases will go undetected and untreated because of misinformation. This list of nine truths was created to debunk common myths and promote early intervention, which can save lives. For various reasons, many cases are likely not to be reported.

9 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 important.

Produced in collaboration with Dr. Cynthia Bulik, Ph.D., F.A.E.D., who serves as distinguished professor of eating disorders in the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, "Nine Truths" is based on Dr. Bulik's 2014 "9 Eating Disorders Myths Busted" talk at the National Institute of Mental Health. Leading associations in the field of eating disorders also contributed their valuable input.

In addition to NEDA, other organizations adopting "9 Truths" include: Academy for Eating Disorders; Binge Eating Disorder Association; Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action; Eating Disorder Parent Support Group; Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders; International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals Foundation; International Eating Disorder Action; Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association; National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders; Residential Eating Disorders Consortium; Project HEAL; and Trans Folx Fighting Eating Disorders.

So now that you're better informed, what can you do if you think someone you care about is struggling with an eating disorder?

How to help a loved one:

• Continue to learn as much as you can about eating disorders.

• Talk openly and honestly about your concerns with the person who is struggling.

• Offer nonjudgmental support and understanding.

• Seek professional help. Call the National Eating Disorders Association's Helpline or visit its website
for resources and referrals.

• Remember that recovery is possible and help is available.

For More Information or Treatment Referrals, Visit http://www.MyNEDA.org
Or Contact NEDA's Live Helpline: 800-931-2237
Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (EST)
Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST)

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in New York City, is the leading U.S. non-profit organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Each year, NEDA helps millions of people across the country find information and appropriate treatment resources through its toll-free, live helpline, its many outreach programs and website. NEDA advocates for advancements in the field and envisions a world without eating disorders. For more information, visit http://www.MyNEDA.org

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