What Are Eating Disorders? 10 Expert Answers On The Internet’s Most Searched Eating Disorder Questions

In this episode of RECOVERable, Eating Recovery Center Regional Medical Director Elizabeth Wassenaar, MS, MD, CEDS-S, DFAPA, answers "The Internet's Most Searched Eating Disorder Questions" for Recovery.com. This two-part series offers a comprehensive discussion about eating disorders including understanding what eating disorders are, common misconceptions, signs someone may have an eating disorder, and RECOVERY.

Published: May 07, 2026

Eating disorders are everywhere, in conversations about body image, wellness trends, and social media. But despite how common they are, most people don’t actually understand what they are or how serious they can be.

In this episode of Recoverable, psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar from Eating Recovery Center breaks down the truth behind eating disorders, answering the internet’s most searched questions with honesty and depth. One of her most powerful reminders is this— eating disorders are not about vanity or willpower. They are real, brain-based mental illnesses, and they can affect anyone.

Read More