For a long time, the narrative surrounding eating disorders was that they only affected underweight individuals. This belief was not only inaccurate but also harmful, as it excluded countless individuals from receiving the care they needed.
Today, more attention is being given to a wider range of eating disorders, and more individuals—especially those in larger bodies—are being recognized as worthy of treatment. However, despite this progress, there are still pervasive myths about eating disorders in people with higher body weights that hinder proper diagnosis and treatment.
Myth 1: All individuals in larger bodies struggle with binge eating disorder.
One of the most common misconceptions is that individuals in larger bodies automatically struggle with binge eating disorder (BED). The reality is far more complex. Body size alone does not reveal someone's eating habits or exercise patterns.
In fact, people of all sizes can experience binge eating disorder, while some individuals in larger bodies may struggle with restrictive eating behaviors or other forms of disordered eating. Assumptions based on appearance can lead to misdiagnosis or improper treatment.
A thorough, individualized assessment of a person's eating and exercise practices is essential to determine if their relationship with food and body image is disordered.
Myth 2: If someone in a larger body has binge eating disorder, the treatment should focus on dieting and weight loss.
There's a dangerous belief that when individuals in larger bodies are diagnosed with binge eating disorder, the solution lies in dieting or focusing on weight loss. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, many clinicians recognize that BED often develops as a direct result of chronic dieting.
The cycle of restricting food intake, followed by periods of binge eating, is a harmful pattern that can make the disorder worse.
Treatment for binge eating disorder should aim to restore balanced, regular eating patterns and promote a healthy relationship with food—without any focus on weight loss. The goal is to break free from the destructive cycle of dieting and binges, not to reinforce it through weight-centric approaches.
Myth 3: Weight restoration is not needed when treating eating disorders in larger bodies.
It's commonly thought that weight restoration is only necessary for those who are severely underweight. However, people in larger bodies who engage in restrictive eating can still suffer from malnourishment and its associated health risks. Restrictive eating, even in the absence of extreme weight loss, can lead to serious medical consequences, including abnormally low heart rates, low blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, loss of bone mineral density, and fatigue.
These symptoms don't discriminate based on weight, and in some cases, weight restoration may be necessary to resolve them—even more individuals with a higher BMI. The focus of treatment should always be on improving health outcomes and addressing the physical toll that disordered eating takes on the body, not on weight alone.
At Libra Virtual Care, we believe in comprehensive, client-centered care that is rooted in compassion.
We understand that eating disorders affect individuals of all shapes and sizes, and we're committed to providing the highest level of care for anyone who seeks help, regardless of their weight.
If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating, we're here to offer support and guide you toward recovery—without judgment or preconceived notions. Reach out to one of the therapists at Libra Virtual Care today to begin your journey of healing.
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