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• Can someone who looks healthy still have an eating disorder?
» YES! This is a very common misconception. People can look
healthy yet still be experiencing an eating disorder.
• What causes eating disorders?
» The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. Current research
shows eating disorders are caused by a complex interaction
of factors. These include genetic, biological, behavioral,
psychological, and social factors. There is no single factor to
determine whether someone will develop an eating disorder.
• What is ARFID and how is it different from anorexia?
» Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is associated with
dramatic restriction in the types or amounts of food that is eaten,
and it can cause slowed growth in children or weight loss in older
individuals. Individuals with ARFID, unlike those with anorexia,
do not have concerns about body image or fear of weight gain.
Instead, they avoid food based on fears of choking or vomiting or
because they are distressed by food related sensations such as
textures, colors, smells, or other features of food.
• Do only women get eating disorders?
» While eating disorders are more common in women, eating
disorders can affect anyone. People of all ages, genders,
socioeconomic statuses, shapes and sizes, sexual orientations,
abilities, races, and ethnicities can experience an eating disorder.
