Eating Disorders
EATING DISORDERS
Anorexia Nervosa (pdf)
Bulimia Nervosa (pdf)
Causes of Eating Disorders (pdf)
Eating Disorder Statistics (pdf)
Who is at Risk? (pdf)
Males & Eating Disorders (pdf)
Eating Disorders in Women of Color (pdf)
Health Consequences (pdf)
Helping a Friend/Loved One (pdf)
Treatment and Recovery (pdf)
SELF-SCREENING
Eating Disorders are Widespread and Destructive
Eating disorders cause immeasurable suffering for individuals and their families.
Eating disorders have reached epidemic levels in America-- all segments of society are affected: men and women, young and old, rich and poor, all minorities, all socio-economic levels
7 million women and 1 million men
AGE AT ONSET OF ILLNESS:
86% report onset of illness by the age of 20*
10% report onset at 10 years or younger
33% report onset between ages of 11-15
43% report onset between ages of 16-20
DURATION OF ILLNESS/MORTALITY:
77% report duration from one to fifteen years*
30% report duration from one to five years
31% report duration from six to ten years
16% report duration from eleven to fifteen years
It is estimated that six percent of serious cases die
Only 50% report being cured
* ANAD Ten Year Study
Eating disorders are rampant in our society, yet few states in the nation have adequate programs or services to combat anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Only a small number of schools and colleges have programs to educate our youth about the dangers of eating disorders.
Every state in our nation and thousands of schools have extensive programs aimed 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 percent of individuals report the onset of their illness by age 20, educations programs should focus on these ages in order to maximize preventive efforts. Thus, efforts on the high school and college levels are important in catching the early signs of eating disorders and body image issues.