Eating disorders are more stigmatised than depression, research shows

Better education is crucial

Even though close to five percent of the population is estimated to experience an eating disorder, a new study has revealed they are more heavily stigmatised than other disorders such as depression. 

More than one million Australians live with an eating disorder, and that number’s likely to continue to grow. 

Close to thirty percent of those affected are aged under 19, and women are twice as likely as men to experience an eating disorder. 

While everyone knows someone who’s lived with an eating disorder, and knows even more people who have a negative relationship with their bodies, social stigma is still prevalent, according to a new study. 

Published in the Journal of Eating Disorders, the study from the University of South Australia involved 235 participants being randomly allocated to one of four groups. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire measuring the level of stigma associated with their allocated psychological condition, including binge eating, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and depression.

All three eating disorders were stigmatised more than depression. 

The Butterfly Foundation’s Head of Communications and Engagement, Melissa Wilton explains that their Community Insights Report found that common beliefs about eating disorders include “perceived weakness of character, perceived control, minimisation of the seriousness of eating disorders and normalisation of eating disorders. 

“We know that it’s common for people experiencing eating disorders to internalise these beliefs themselves”, she tells Body+Soul. 

She says “These misconceptions absolutely stop people from seeking help and it’s essential we break this stigma down and spread awareness about the true reality of experiencing an eating disorder, which can be potentially life-threatening.”

These misconceptions absolutely stop people from seeking help. Image: Getty

Barriers to support

There are already financial, systemic, cultural and logistical barriers for many people needing support for eating disorders. Social barriers can also stop many from accessing the help they require.

Lead author, Carlye Aird said, “Our findings show that people with eating disorders face significant social stigma, which can make it even harder for them to seek help”.

“Misconceptions that these disorders are self-inflicted or not serious enough to warrant medical attention are incredibly harmful.”

Many people who don’t match the stereotype of an eating disorder or ‘look’ like they have an eating disorder have had their concerns dismissed by healthcare professionals. Image: Getty

Wilton agrees, explaining that these views stop many people from being able to receive proper support.

“We know that less than a third of people with eating disorders receive the care and support they need to recover, and stigma is a significant barrier in help-seeking. Through conversations with our lived experience community, we know that many people who don’t match the stereotype of an eating disorder or ‘look’ like they have an eating disorder have had their concerns dismissed by healthcare professionals or their symptoms regarded as less serious. We see this often with the diagnosis of Atypical Anorexia – where people meet the criteria for anorexia, often including significant weight loss, but their weight remains within or above the ‘normal’ range.”

“This underscores the need for healthcare professionals to address any underlying weight stigma they hold and ensure people are given appropriate, effective treatment, irrespective of their body weight,” she adds.

It’s also a common feature of eating disorders to believe that you aren’t ‘sick enough’ to warrantprofessional intervention.Image: iStock

“It’s also a common feature of eating disorders to believe that you aren’t ‘sick enough’ to warrant professional intervention. This may stem from common portrayals of eating disorders online and in the media that depict only white, very thin, young girls with Anorexia. When people don’t meet this ‘look’ it can result in feelings of shame, guilt and may result in more intensive eating disorder behaviours where people attempt to ‘prove’ their illness is serious and they are worthy of support.”

Whether you blame media, advertising, fashion, culture, or something else entirely for perpetuating these misconceptions, better education is clearly needed to increase understanding of eating disorders and the horrific effect they have on the lives of those living with them and their loved ones. 

“We need to shift the conversation around eating disorders and challenge the myths that they are simply a lifestyle choice or a sign of personal weakness,” co-author Dr Stephanie Webb said.

“By reducing the stigma, it will encourage people with eating disorders to seek professional help earlier and improve the outcomes, ultimately saving lives in some cases.”

If you or anyone you know need help or support for an eating disorder or concerns about body image, please call Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or email, 7 days a week, 8 am-midnight (AEST/AEDT).

Mental health professionals are available 24/7 at the beyondblue Support Service – 1300 22 46 36 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3pm-12am AEST) or email response.

Originally published as Eating disorders are more stigmatised than depression, research shows