More Information on Eating Disorders

Who Has Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are reaching epidemic proportions: 10-15% of all Americans suffer from some type of serious eating disorder; adults as well as children are affected. At least 1/3 of all Americans are now considered to be obese and 60% are overweight. These numbers are staggering when we consider that we live in the age of "fat-free" food and fitness. Anorexia, bulimia, and B.E.D. (Binge Eating Disorder) can affect anyone regardless of social class, age, race, or gender. Eighty six percent of people with eating disorders report onset by age 20; 10% report onset at ten years or younger. According to TIME magazine, 80% of all children have been on a diet by the time they've reached fourth grade.

Approximately 10% of all people with eating disorders are men. Many clinicians believe that this figure is underreported because many men are ashamed to admit that they may be suffering from something thought to affect only women. According to Newsweek magazine's May 2, 1994 issue, a study done of 131 Cornell university football players, found that 40% engaged in eating disordered behaviors (bingeing and purging), with 10% classified as having clinical eating disorders. Many men can be suffering from bulimia under the guise of "staying in shape" when they use compulsive exercise as a form of purging. "I only run 4-5 miles daily. I can't miss a day, or I'll feel depressed, or sluggish, or....." Men have the same issues with body image as do women. They want to be thin and look good to attract women. They may not want to look older or look like their fathers. The reasons are numerous.

Seventy-seven percent of individuals with eating disorders report that the illness can last anywhere from one to fifteen years or even longer in some cases. It is estimated that approximately six percent of serious cases die. In many others, there are long-term, irreversible consequences which can affect one's physical and emotional health. Up to now, only 50% of all people with this devastating disease report being cured.

The cost of treatment is staggering. If the disease becomes acute and the person needs expensive medical monitoring and treatment, the cost of in-patient treatment can be $100,000 or more per month. Many people will need repeated hospitalizations. This underlines the importance of early intervention before costs spiral to staggering levels.

For those wondering if they have an eating disorder, Dr. Jantz offers an online Eating Disorder Survey. You can fill out the form online and immediately get your results.

Eating Disorders are Very Serious

Eating disorders are rampant in our society, yet no state in the nation has an adequate program to combat anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Very few schools or colleges have programs to educate our youth about the dangers of eating disorders.

Every state and thousands of schools have extensive programs seeking to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse. The value of such programs, especially education programs, has been proven and accepted into school curricula.

The immense suffering surrounding eating disorders, the high cost of treatment and the longevity of these illnesses make it imperative that vastly expanded education programs be implemented to prevent anorexia nervosa and related disorders.

Since 86% of victims report that the onset of their illness occurred by age 20, education programs should focus on these ages in order to maximize preventive efforts.

ANAD (Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders) education/early detection/prevention programs provide models for low cost outreach services that benefit hundreds of thousands of our youth. The Association has also urged federal and state governments to undertake and develop education programs for our citizens.

Eating Disorders are Widespread and Destructive

AGE AT ONSET OF ILLNESS
86% report onset of illness by age 20:*
10% report onset at 10 years or younger.
33% report onset between 11 - 15 years old.
43% report onset between ages 16 - 20 years old.

DURATION OF ILLNESS/MORTALITY
77% report duration of illness from one to fifteen years:*
30% report duration from one to five years.
31% report duration from six to 10 years.
16% report duration from 11 to 15 years.
It is estimated that 6% of serious cases die.
Only 50% report being cured.

COST OF TREATMENT
Treatment for anorexia nervosa, and/or bulimia is often extremely expensive. Large numbers of victims need extensive medical monitoring and treatment. Therapy generally extends over two years or more.
The cost of In-Patient treatment, including therapy and medical monitoring, can extend to $100,000 or more per month.**

*National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD) Ten Year Study and Abuse Study. P.O. Box 7, Highland Park, IL 60035 (708) 831-3438. (Panhellenic Task Force Page 17 of 20)


             

Eating Disorders, especially when purging is involved can be very damaging to teeth. Learn more about this and learn how the damage does not have to be permanent.

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