Anorexia: 5 Common Myths Busted by an Eating Disorder Expert | Stanford

This video addresses common myths and misconceptions about Anorexia. Anorexia is an eating disorder and mental health disorder that affects people of all different shapes, genders, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientations. Misconceptions about who gets anorexia leads to those who don’t fit the mold being less likely to get diagnosed and get appropriate treatment.

Dr. Rachel Goldstein, the presenter for this video, is an adolescent medicine doctor at Stanford University and has treated many patients struggling with eating disorders like Anorexia.

0:00 Overview
0:40 Myth 1: Anorexia only affects rich, white, privileged girls. Who develops Anorexia?
1:30 Myth 2: Athletes are not susceptible to medical complications
2:43 Myth 3: Missing periods is normal
4:10 Myth 4: Anorexia is a phase youth will grow out of without treatment
4:46 Myth 5: Anorexia can be solved by ‘willpower to eat’
5:32 Bonus Myth 6: Teens and adults have the same nutritional needs

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The information in this video was accurate as of the upload date, 7/12/2022. For information purposes only. Consult your local medical authority or your healthcare practitioner for advice.

This video is a production of the Stanford Center for Health Education team, in collaboration with Stanford Medicine and the Stanford Center for Professional Development.

At the Stanford Center for Health Education, we believe that expanding access to engaging education has the power to change behaviors, improve health, and save lives.

Stanford Center for Health Education

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