Common Misconceptions About Anorexia (And Why They’re Totally Wrong)

Alright, let’s get into it—there’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to anorexia. People think they know what it’s about, but most of the time, they’re way off base. These misunderstandings not only oversimplify the disorder but can also create barriers to empathy and support. I want to clear up some of these myths, based on my personal experience with anorexia.

So, let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions.

"People with anorexia hate food"

This one couldn’t be more wrong. Most of us love food, to be honest. For many sufferers, the disorder creates an obsession with food. Personally, I used to make lists of foods I wanted to eat, but knew I wouldn't allow myself to. The fixation on food is paradoxically part of the disorder itself—it’s not about disliking it, but controlling access to it.

"You want to stay stuck in your eating disorder"

Nope. No one wants to be stuck in this cycle. Anorexia often stems from deeper psychological issues, like fear or anxiety, and while it can feel like a coping mechanism, it ultimately leads to more suffering. We don’t want it, but it’s hard to let go of something that feels like a life raft even though it’s sinking.

"Anorexia is all about vanity"

There’s a dangerous assumption that anorexia is all about vanity, that sufferers are obsessed with looking thin for superficial reasons. While many people might look in the mirror and see something they’d like to change, those with anorexia often see a distorted image of themselves. It’s not about wanting to be attractive—it’s about feeling like there’s something inherently wrong with your body. Sometimes, the desire is to “fix” yourself by controlling food, almost as if not eating will erase the parts of you that feel unacceptable. It’s not about being vain; it’s about feeling like you’re never good enough, no matter how much weight you lose.

"Only women suffer from anorexia"

Although it’s true that the majority of sufferers are female, this is not a disorder exclusive to women. About 1 in 10 people with anorexia are male, but men often go underdiagnosed because of the misconception that this is a “women’s disorder.” Eating disorders affect all genders, but the stigma attached to men seeking help for anorexia is significant, which makes it even harder for them to get the treatment they need. An important thing to remember is that eating disorders don’t discriminate.

"Anorexia is a choice"

One of the most harmful misconceptions is that anorexia is a choice, or a lifestyle decision. This myth trivializes the disorder and makes it seem like something sufferers can just “snap out of.” In reality, anorexia is a complex mental illness with psychological, environmental, and biological factors. No one chooses to develop an eating disorder. Once it takes hold, it becomes a battle for survival, not a matter of preference or willpower. Anorexia is a serious mental illness. It’s not something you wake up one day and decide to have. No one chooses this.

"It’s all about how you look"

While body image issues can contribute to anorexia, the disorder isn’t solely about wanting to look a certain way. Many sufferers use food as a way to cope with feelings of control, anxiety, or perfectionism. In my experience, it’s less about being thin and more about using food restriction as a tool to manage overwhelming emotions. It’s important to remember that anorexia often has little to do with appearance and much more to do with internal struggles. For many of us, it’s how we deal with anxiety, guilt, or feeling like we’re not enough.

"Recovery is just eating again"

This is a biggie. People think once you start eating, you’re “better.” But recovery is a mental and emotional process just as much as a physical one. The physical aspect of eating is just one piece of the puzzle. The mental and emotional recovery is often much more challenging. It involves unlearning toxic patterns, rebuilding a healthy relationship with food, and confronting the underlying psychological issues that contributed to the disorder in the first place. Relearning how to have a healthy relationship with food and your body takes time—way more time than just putting on a few pounds.

"Only teenagers get anorexia"

Nope, not even close. While anorexia is often associated with teenagers, it can affect people of any age. It can manifest in childhood, adulthood, and even later in life. This myth prevents many adults from seeking help because they feel like anorexia is something only young people experience, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. People of any age can develop anorexia.

"You have to be super thin to have anorexia"

This misconception is super dangerous. Anorexia doesn’t have a “look.” You don’t need to be emaciated to be suffering. In reality, anorexia can affect people of all shapes and sizes. Some sufferers may not appear drastically underweight, but they are still experiencing severe malnutrition and physical strain. This assumption can prevent people from getting help, as they may not "look sick" enough to be taken seriously. People at all weights and body types can struggle with anorexia.

"People with anorexia don’t eat at all"

It’s not always about complete starvation. Many sufferers engage in restrictive eating, following rigid, ritualistic food patterns rather than complete avoidance. They might eat tiny portions or only allow certain foods at specific times, while still suffering from the disorder. It's more about restriction and control than completely refusing food.

"It’s easy to spot someone with anorexia"

Not always. Some people are great at hiding their disorder. It’s easy to assume that someone with anorexia will be visibly underweight or appear obviously unwell, but that’s not always the case. Many sufferers hide their struggles extremely well, maintaining a façade of normalcy in social settings. Loose clothing can disguise weight loss, and they may eat “normally” in public while engaging in disordered behaviours privately. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

The reality of anorexia is much more complex than these common misconceptions. It’s not just about food or appearance—it’s a deep psychological battle that affects every aspect of a person’s life. By challenging these myths, we can help create more empathy, support, and understanding for those who are suffering. Anorexia is not a choice, a trend, or a vanity project—it’s a serious mental illness, and those affected deserve compassion, not judgment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anorexia, it’s important to reach out for help. Recovery is possible, but it requires support, patience, and professional guidance.

Much love,