Most people think about anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa when they hear the term eating disorder. But there are actually more types of eating disorders. There are also many misconceptions about eating disorders. Here are several of them and the information behind each.

Talking to your child about eating disorders can feel overwhelming, but it is essential to approach the conversation with compassion, openness, and support. Parents play a vital role in shaping their child's relationship with food and body image, and the way they discuss these topics can either encourage healthy behaviors or contribute to guilt and secrecy. By using non-judgmental language and fostering open communication, parents can help their child feel safe, understood, and supported.

Eating disorders have long been stereotyped as a female issue, leading to underdiagnosis and lack of awareness about their prevalence in boys. However, research shows that one in three people with an eating disorder is male, highlighting the need for greater recognition and support. Despite this, boys and young men often go unnoticed in discussions about eating disorders due to misconceptions, social stigma, and gender biases in diagnosis (Murray et al., 2017).