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Those experiencing an eating disorder are more harshly judged than those with other mental health conditions.

Research from the University of South Australia found the social stigma associated with eating disorders could make it harder for people to seek help.

“The study found, among a general population sample, the three eating disorder subtypes, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, are significantly more stigmatised than depression. It was also found that binge-eating disorder was slightly more stigmatised than anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in certain areas. These results suggest that people living with eating disorders, including binge-eating disorder, may face higher levels of stigma compared to those living with other mental health conditions, like depression,” Carlye Aird, lead author of the study told Theravive.

“Eating disorders are all too prevalent, but what is more concerning is how this prevalence is growing. On a personal level, I believe disordered eating behaviours are perpetually normalised throughout society, particularly as individuals navigate the unique pressures and algorithms of social media. Eating disorders are impactful in several ways, often far beyond the extent realised by those who have no lived experience or exposure. It is for these reasons I have grown passionate about shedding a light on eating disorders, as the damaging effects are all too detrimental for advocacy not to take place. Anorexia nervosa having the highest mortality rate of all psychological disorders attests to this.”

The study involved 235 people from the general population who were assigned to one of four groups. They were asked to complete a questionnaire that measured the level of stigma associated with the psychological condition allocated to their group.   

The researchers found that all three eating disorders had more stigma associated with them than depression. Binge eating had the most stigma and was viewed as trivial and linked to weight related stereotypes.

 “The study showed the stigma associated with eating disorders is multifaceted and can also differ depending on the eating disorder subtype. Noted attributing factors to stigma across eating disorders can include misconceptions towards individuals suffering from an eating disorder, for example the perception that having an eating disorder is a choice, that they are ‘not that serious’ of a psychological disorder, and a perceived emphasis on vanity, for example. Ultimately, these highlight a potential lack of understanding of eating disorders contributing to associated stigma,” Aird said.

“As with any stigma, the stigma experienced by individuals experiencing an eating disorder is harmful. With reference to both psychological disorders more broadly as well as eating disorders more specifically, exacerbation of symptoms and reductions in help-seeking behaviour has been highly associated with stigma experiences. As a result, individuals with EDs may face fear in instigating conversations about suffering, and further may not be getting the support required for recovery. Given the devastating physiological effects seen within EDs, increases in symptom severity in combination with treatment delay or resistance can be fatal.”

Roughly 9% of Americans, or 28.8 million people, will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.

People with eating disorders with the highest symptom severity are 11 times more likely to attempt suicide compared with their peers without symptoms of eating disorders.

Aird says her study reinforces the importance of raising awareness and breaking the stigma associated with eating disorders.

“Considering the combination of the alarming growing prevalence of eating disorders and the significant longstanding biopsychosocial effects on individuals diagnosed, as well as their loved ones, raising awareness around eating disorders and the experience of sufferers is crucial. In raising awareness, the effects of stigma can be uncovered as well as challenged, thereby minimising the harmful implications currently seen,” she said.

“Our results provide valuable insights into the stigmatisation of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, and demonstrate the wide array of negative attitudes and misunderstanding which surround eating disorders. It remains crucial that further research be conducted within this area to continue to provide knowledge and understanding around eating disorder stigma, to ultimately reduce the burden on those affected by eating disorders.”