Watch People Respond to 'You Don't Look Like You Have an Eating Disorder'

An eating disorder is a mental illness that doesn’t discriminate. In the United States, eating disorders affect 20 million women and 10 million men from all races and classes. Each person is affected differently, and — despite the stereotype of the “too-skinny” teenage girl — more than one type of eating disorder exists, and they’re not always obvious.

So why do some people still think there’s only one “look” to an eating disorder?

To combat this stereotype, Cut created a powerful video featuring real people who live with eating disorders responding to the statement, “You don’t look like you have an eating disorder.”

Their answers are honest, and show how eating disorder stereotypes are not only untrue, but hurtful.

Take a look:

It’s National Eating Disorder Awareness Week! To learn more visit NEDA Awareness.

Related: 40 Things People With Eating Disorders Wish Others Understood