Eating disorders affect five to ten million American adolescent girls and women and approximately one million American boys and men. In addition, approximately 70 million individuals worldwide struggle with this disorder. In a single person's lifetime, approximately 50,000 individuals will die because of this terrifying disease.
Eating disorders know no race, age, class, or gender. They can happen to anyone. Eating disorders have been present in children as young as three years old and in adults as old as ninety. However, 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. Many other contributing factors lead to the emergence of the Disorder(s). Loss of control, anxiety, guilt, a refusal to grow up and change, and a need for attention are just some of the possible components of an eating disorder, although no defined cause has been established.
The three most talked about eating disorders are Anorexia , Bulimia , and Binge Eating Disorder . None of these disorders are easily recognized by the individual, a friend, or even a family member. However, even if they are recognized, denial usually follows and the disorder goes untreated.
An eating disorder is very serious and should not be taken lightly. Major health hazards including death may occur if an eating disorder goes undetected and untreated. Help and treatment are available. The Alliance of Eating Disorders Awareness realizes that eating disorders are no longer an epidemic that can be left in the "closet."
