We have already discussed what causes people to get an Eating Disorder (ED), now let’s identify some myths that people convince themselves are truths and which could increase the risk of engaging in disordered eating behaviour.

These could be beliefs like:

• Need to be in control… assuming that strictly controlling my eating means I have control over my life
• Need to be perfect for people to love me… assuming losing weight will make me perfect
• Assuming I’ll be happy if I’m thin
• I can cope with difficult emotions through my eating habits - assuming when I’m upset, my eating behaviour helps me feel better
• I can’t control most of the stuff that happens in the world… at least I can control my eating
• I am disgusting… I’ll feel better about myself if I’m thin

If we can try to identify and explore these thoughts and beliefs and not link them to how much we eat, it will decrease your likelihood in engaging in disordered eating behaviour

Reference: Aston University Eating Disorders – A self help guideline