Eating disorders are defined as eating habits that are hurtful to an individual; at times resulting in death. They currently affect approximately 24 Million Americans. In addition, approximately 70 million individuals worldwide struggle with these disorders. An estimated 480,000 individuals die every year from complications related to eating disorders. Eating disorders do not discriminate between gender,
class, race or age. Eating disorders have been present in children as young as three years
old and in adults as old as ninety. However, the typical age of onset is anywhere from 12-18 years of age.
Eating disorders have been present in children as young as three years old and in adults as old as ninety. However, the 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. There are many contributing factors that lead to the emergence of an eating disorder.
Loss of control, anxiety and/or depression, sexual abuse, genetics, family emotional problems, a high need for perfection, the media, and a refusal to grow up are just some of the possible factors, although no defined cause has been established.
The three most common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa (self-starvation), Bulimia Nervosa (binge-purge), and Binge Eating Disorder (bingeing). Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified has recently emerged due to the fact that many people may have variations of disordered eating, yet, they cannot meet full diagnostic criteria forAnorexia and/or Bulimia. An eating disorder can go unnoticed for a significant amount of time, and if it is recognized, denial usually follows and the disorder goes untreated.
If you think you or someone you know has developed an eating disorder,please do not deny that a problem exists and try to get professional help as soon as possible.The earlier an eating disorder is detected and treated,the quicker the recovery.Learn as much as you can about eating disorders,and do not be afraid to talk to someone about it. Major health hazards including death may occur if an eating disorder goes undetected and/or untreated. Help is available
and recovery is definitely possible.
DO'S
1. Increase your knowledge about eating disorders (request information packets, read books, attend seminars).
2. Talk with the person about your concerns in a loving and supportive way. It is important to discuss these issues with honesty and respect.
3.Talk with the person at an appropriate time and place - in private, free from distractions.
4. Encourage the person to seek professional help as soon as possible. Suggest that she/he see someone who specializes in eating disorders (a physician, therapist or dietician).
5. Be prepared that the person may deny that she/he has a problem. If so, and if she/he refuses to get help, it will be important to tell someone else about your concerns. If your friend is under 18, her/his parents need to know immediately.
6. Listen with a nonjudgmental ear.
7. Talk about things other than food, weight, and exercise.
8. Be available when your friend needs someone, but remember, it is okay to set limits on what you can and cannot do.
9. Hang in there! It won't be easy
DONT'S
1. Don't try to solve her/his problems or help with the eating disorder on your own. Get help from others.
2. Don't confront your friend with a group of people, in front of a group of people.
3. Don't talk about weight, food, calories, or appearance. Do not make any comments on what she/he looks like.
4. Don't try to force or encourage your friend to eat. Do not get into power struggles.
5. Don't let her/his peculiarities dominate you or manipulate you.
6. Don't gossip about her/him to others.
7. Don't be scared to talk with her/him.
8. Don't expect to be the perfect friend - Reach out for support when you need it.
9. Don't expect your friend to be "cured" after treatment. Recovery can be a long process.
10. Don't keep this a secret for your friend. Remember, her/his life may be in danger.
