Eating disorders are defined as eating habits that are hurtful to an individual; at times resulting in death. They currently affect approximately 24 Million Americans1, in which approximately 10-15%2 are men. In addition, approximately 70 million individuals worldwide struggle with these disorders. An estimated 480,000 individuals die every year from complications related to eating disorders3. Eating disorders do not discriminate between gender, class, race or age. They can and do happen to anyone. Eating disorders have been present in children as young as three years old and in adults as old as ninety. However, the typical age of onset is anywhere from 12-18 years of age.
Contrary to popular belief, an eating disorder is not solely based on food. There are many contributing factors that lead to the emergence of an eating disorder. Loss of control, anxiety and/or depression, sexual abuse, genetics, family emotional problems, a high need for perfection, the media, and a refusal to grow up are just some of the possible factors, although no defined cause has been established.
The three most common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa (self-starvation), Bulimia Nervosa (binge-purge), and Binge Eating Disorder (bingeing). Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified has recently emerged due to the fact that many people may have variations of disordered eating, yet, they cannot meet full diagnostic criteria for Anorexia and/or Bulimia. An eating disorder can go unnoticed for a significant amount of time, and if it is recognized, denial usually follows and the disorder goes untreated.
If you think you or someone you know has developed an eating disorder,please do not deny that a problem exists and try to get professional help as soon as possible.The earlier an eating disorder is detected and treated,the quicker the recovery.Learn as much as you can about eating disorders,and do not be afraid to talk to someone about it. Major health hazards including death may occur if an eating disorder goes undetected and/or untreated. Help is available and recovery is definitely possible.
1. The Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders, "Eating Disorders 101 Guide: A Summary of Issues, Statistics and Resources," published September 2002, revised October 2003, http://www.renfrew.org.
2. Carlat, D.J. Camargo. Review of Bulimia in Males. American Jour