Content warning: Mention of eating disorders.
Eating disorders are complex and often misunderstood. They are serious, with potential life-threatening physical and mental health impacts. It can affect people of all ages, genders, across all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
There can be a lot of confusion about what eating disorders are, especially when it comes to kids or teenagers. Misunderstandings about things like Body Mass Index (BMI), weight and appearance can lead to delays in getting help, which can lead to serious complications.
Clearing up common myths and replacing them with facts about eating disorders can help families recognise the signs early and get the right support for young people.
The team at the Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) Eating Disorders Program has set the record straight on five common myths about eating disorders.
MYTH: ‘Eating disorders are a lifestyle choice’
REALITY: Eating disorders aren’t a choice.
They are serious mental and physical health conditions that require appropriate treatment and support, and cannot be overcome simply by ‘choice’.
MYTH: ‘They’re just going through a phase’
REALITY: If you notice a change in your child’s eating habits, don’t brush it off or ignore it. It’s important to take your concerns seriously and contact your GP or health professional.
MYTH: ‘They can’t have an eating disorder, their BMI is fine’
REALITY: A person can have an eating disorder at any weight.
BMI isn’t a reliable measure of health, especially in growing kids and teens. Even when someone has been restricting food for a long time (usually years), their body can adapt in ways that make things seem normal, however, this doesn’t mean the person is healthy. It’s important to look at all signs and symptoms, not just the physical.
MYTH: ‘They’re fine — all their blood tests results are normal’
REALITY: Do not rely only on blood tests solely to check your child’s health. Blood results are often the last to show changes, and by the time they are abnormal, your child may already be seriously unwell.
MYTH: ‘That heart rate is OK — they’re just very fit’
REALITY: A resting heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute (bpm) is not normal for children and teens, even if they are elite athletes. It can be a sign that the body is under stress and needs medical attention.
Tips for families and carers
- Learn as much as you can
- Seek help and communicate openly with your young person
- Remember who your young person is and know the illness can affect their behaviour and how they interact with others
- Be patient, look after yourself, stay positive and hold hope. Recovery is possible with early access to care and support.
If you’re worried about a young person’s eating habits, mood, or physical health, trust your instincts and seek support early. If you’re unsure where to start, chat with your GP.
For more information about eating disorders, care and treatment for young people affected by this illness, or supports and resources, visit:
- Eating Disorders Program, Child and Youth Mental Health Service, CHQ
- Queensland Eating Disorder Service (QuEDS)
- Eating Disorder Families Australia
- Eating Disorders Queensland
- National Eating Disorder Collaborative
- Butterfly Foundation
- INSIDEout
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au
- Headspace: 1800 650 890 | www.headspace.org.au
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au