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INFOBITS
The mortality rate among people with anorexia is 12 times higher than the death rate among females ages 15 to 24 from all other causes.26
Females are more likely to develop an eating disorder than males.27
Eating disorders frequently develop during adolescence or early adulthood, but some reports indicate their onset can occur during childhood or later in adulthood.28
An estimated 0.5 to 3.7 percent of females suffer from anorexia nervosa in their lifetime.29
Ten percent of those with anorexia will die as a result of complications.30
An estimated 1.1 percent to 4.2 percent of females have bulimia nervosa in their lifetime.31
Ten percent of those with anorexia will die as a result of complications. 32
Community surveys have estimated that between 2 percent and 5 percent of Americans experience binge-eating disorder in a 6-month period.33
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Binge-Eating Disorder
The most common of the eating disorders, binge-eating is also referred to as compulsive overeating or food addiction. It is somewhat similar to bulimia, however, binge eaters do not purge by vomiting or the use of laxatives after an episode. Its symptoms include:
- Frequent episodes of eating what others would consider an abnormally large amount of food, even when not physically hungry
- Unable to control what or how much is being eaten
- Eating much more rapidly than usual
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Feelings of disgust, depression or guilt after overeating
- Fluctuations in weight
- Diminished interest in sex
- Frequent dieting
The number of symptoms experienced and the severity of each will vary with individuals and varies over time.
People with binge eating disorder often eat as a coping mechanism for stress, low self-esteem, depression, anger, boredom, or even loneliness. They often eat alone or in secrecy because they are embarrassed at the quantity of food eaten. After a binge, they often feel self-disgust, which can lead to another episode, creating a cycle of bingeing.
Binge eating can often lead to weight gain, which can progress to obesity, posing additional dangerous health risks to the individual.
Binge eating disorder can be complicated by other medical conditions including type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, heart disease and certain types of cancer. These serious mental health and medical illnesses must also be included in the treatment plan.
“It’s been almost a year now that I’ve been eating alone and preferably in my home. Eating with friends or family is not really my thing. I guess I eat “normal” when I’m with them but when I get home, I just have to eat again, and more. And being full doesn’t really stop me from stuffing myself. I just can’t stop. My sister told me once that I eat for 8 people…or more… and that’s why I’m 205 lbs. at 5’4”. I don’t care, I don’t have a boyfriend. Who would want me in the first place anyway?”
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The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are not alone.
Getting treatment for eating disorders is a team effort. It is crucial in the treatment of eating disorders not only to help change unhealthy eating habits, but to address the underlying emotional problems behind them. Because of the complexity of this illness, a comprehensive treatment plan is required, including medical care and monitoring for any physical complications, psychotherapy, support groups, nutritional counseling and medication, if necessary. Outpatient and inpatient programs combining all these elements have also proven to have high success rates in the treatment of eating disorders.
By working with your doctor, therapist, and / or nutritionist, you can take control to find the approach that is the most appropriate for your needs. So do not lose hope.
Get help today, for tomorrow enjoy better living and brighter horizons.
The following are additional resources for eating disorders
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
603 Stewart Street, Suite 803
Seattle, WA 98101
Tel: 800.931.2237
Email: info@NationalEatingDisorders.org
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. (ANRED)
http://www.anred.com/
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
http://www.anad.org/
PO Box 7
Highland Park, IL 60035
Tel: 847. 831.3438
Email: anad20@aol.com |
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