Shocking Statistics on Eating Disorders

Posted May 1, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Kathleen Blanchard

Section: Her Health, Body Image, Eating Disorders

According to a new survey, nearly 65% of American women report some sort of eating disorder.  The most common disorders are anorexia and bulimia.  Binge eating disorders receives less attention than anorexia or bulimia, but they are also viewed as a genuine health concern.

An online poll of more than 4,000 women, ages 25 to 45, found that a shockingly high number of women have some type of eating disorder. More than half of the women surveyed said they are trying to lose weight, yet 53% said their weight is normal.  31% reported purging with laxatives, vomiting, or taking fluid pills at least three times a week, and many reported doing so on a daily basis.

The numbers in this poll are distressing.  Eating disorders cause emotional imbalance and produce health risks.  Obesity, associated with binge eating, contributes to poor cardiovascular health and hypertension.  Purging can cause electrolyte disturbances, gastrointestinal problems and poor dental health.  Anorexia can cause bone loss, anemia, lethargy, impaired physical development and other health problems.

What many women perceive as normal may actually be a sign of an eating problem.  Extreme dieting, skipping meals, and avoiding carbohydrates are all examples of unhealthy eating behaviors, especially when accompanied by poor mental health.

If you think you may have an eating disorder, discuss it with you family doctor.  Effective treatment options have been elusive, but researchers continue to search for better options. The greatest success comes with early recognition.  Counseling and family support should be employed.  Treatment of co-existing problems, such as anxiety and depression, has provided modest positive outcomes. 

Don’t let your eating habits control you – seek professional help if you feel your health is at risk. Remember - what you do today affects your health for years to come.

You can read more at the NIMH Eating Disorders website. SOURCE: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, news release, April 22, 2008 Kathleen Blanchard is a Registered Nurse.  Visit her blog for more health information.