The week of February 18th through February 24th is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This article will address some definitions of the most common eating disorders, as well as some statistics.
People with eating disorders often also abuse prescription and/or recreational drugs. About 2/3 of alcoholic women (72%) under age 30 also have eating disorders. Without treatment, about 20 out of 100 people with eating disorders will die. Another 20 out of 100 people with eating disorders only partially recover. They spend their lives battling with the issues surrounding their disorder(s). That leaves only 60 out of every 100 people with eating disorders who recover.
Anorexia Nervosa is probably, the most well-known eating disorder; certainly the most talked about. Anorexia Nervosa is the relentless pursuit of thinness. It is thought that approximately 1 out of 100 women between the ages of ten are anorexic; starving themselves because they are terrified of gaining weight. These women weigh only 85% or less of the expected weight for their height and age. Anorexia Nervosa can also affect men. In fact, it is thought that approximately 25% of adults with eating disorders are men. About 50% of former anorexics develop bulimia.
Some symptoms or warning signs that you or someone you love may be anorexic are:
Skipping meals, ritualistic eating behaviors, refusal to eat in front of others, always having an excuse for not eating (just ate, not hungry, too upset to eat, etc.). Often, an anorexic will be suddenly “disgusted” by foods that used to be favorites. They will choose “safe” foods such as low or no fat with little nutritional value (lettuce, water, vegetables with high water content, etc.).
BulimiaNervosa is another well-known eating disorder. It is characterized by a cycle of dieting, binging, and purging. For most bulimics, their self-worth is tied to being thin. The person diets in an effort to lose weight and be thin. Then, usually because of food deprivation, the person binges. He or she overeats, not just a little, but excessively, feeling very much out of control. The binge is usually followed by guilt and the intense need to regain control and fix or undo the damage. As a result, the person now purges. Bulimics use vomiting, laxative, and emetics-or I should say abuse.
If you or someone you love exhibits some of the following signs, you may be looking at a person with Bulimia Nervosa. Bulimics usually excuse themselves to the restroom right after meals. This is so that he or she can go “purge”. The person may have foul-smelling breath (like vomit). You may notice they use a lot of breath mints. Some bulimics have even vomited in containers and left them in conspicuous places-an obvious cry for help.
I think the most important component of recovery for anyone suffering from an eating disorder is support of family and friends. This, along with honest accountability, is probably a key factor.
If you think that you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, please seek help ASAP! There are many resources available to you. In researching this topic, I found countless websites dealing with eating disorders. They are filled with helpful information. But you will need professional help to recover. Please love yourself enough to seek help!
