Your eating disorder is lying to you. Here is what it’s saying…

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can deeply affect young women, distorting their perceptions of themselves, their bodies, and their relationship with food. One of the challenges of recovery is recognizing the lies that eating disorders tell—lies that feel incredibly convincing at the time, but ultimately lead to harm.

You know what I’m talking about right? The subtle voice that whispers things in your ear when you look at yourself in the mirror, or stare at a plate of food in front of you. It’s time you stand up to the eating disorder voice and challenge the lies it so desperately wants you to believe. Here are three common lies eating disorders often tell young women:

1. "You’re not enough as you are."

One of the most persistent lies eating disorders tell is that you are not enough just as you are—that your value is tied to your appearance or body size. This lie can feel incredibly isolating, as it suggests that unless you meet a certain standard, you don’t deserve love, respect, or success. It convinces you that if you could just change your body, everything would be better.

Your eating disorder might say something like this:

“If your stomach was flatter, you would feel better about your self.”

  “If your thighs didn’t touch then he would like you back.”

The truth is, your worth is not tied to your size or appearance. You are enough exactly as you are. Eating disorders thrive on feelings of inadequacy, convincing you that happiness or acceptance is only achievable through extreme measures. But recovery is about rediscovering your inherent worth and recognizing that you are valuable for who you are, not what you look like.

2. "You have to be perfect to be loved or accepted."

Eating disorders often tell young women that in order to be accepted or loved, they must be perfect—whether that’s through their appearance, achievements, or behaviors. This lie suggests that if you don't meet these impossible standards, you’re unworthy of affection or respect.

Your eating disorder might say something like this:

            “If you weighed pounds, then you’ll finally be happy.”

“If you are skinny, then he will love you and stay faithful.”

In reality, perfection is an illusion. It doesn’t exist! Yet your eating disorder will try to convince you that it does exist. No one is perfect, and the people who love and support you do so because of who you are—not because of your appearance, or ability to meet impossible standards. In fact, striving for perfection can actually create barriers to genuine connection and fulfillment. True love and acceptance comes from being authentic, not from trying to be perfect.

3. "You Can’t Recover, So Why Try?"

Perhaps one of the most damaging lies is the belief that recovery isn’t possible—that you’re stuck in your eating disorder forever. This lie tells you that no matter how hard you try, things will never get better. It might convince you that recovery is too hard, or that you're not strong enough to overcome it.

Your eating disorder might say something like this:

            “YOU? RECOVER? HA! Good luck trying to move through life without me.”

            “What would you do without me? I have been in your life for so long, you have no idea what it’s like when I’m not here to help you.”

The truth is recovery is absolutely possible. It may take time, effort, and support, but you can heal and build a healthier relationship with food, your body, and yourself. Many women have walked the difficult path of recovery and found peace, and you can too. The key is not giving up and seeking help when you need it, whether from a therapist, nutritionist, or support group.

Takeaway

Eating disorders are powerful and deceptive, but they are not the truth. They tell you lies that can make you feel trapped, but by recognizing these lies and seeking help, you can begin to reclaim your life. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and recovery is always possible.