Know the Facts
What is an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are not about food. Similar to the use of drugs, alcohol, or gambling, food can be used as an unhealthy way to deal with difficult life issues and emotions.
Eating disorders can lead to significant health problems. In addition to the physical effects of eating disorders on the body, they often have a spiraling effect, meaning that continued practice of the disorder causes more guilt, more social withdrawal, and increased feelings of inadequacy or low-self esteem.
Did you know?
- 1.7 million high school girls, and more than 300,000 high school boys have anorexia or bulimia (Cumella, 2004).
- The average woman is 5’4 and weighs 142 lbs. The average model is 5’11 and weighs 117 lbs (NEDA, 2006).
- 15% of teenagers are obese in the United States (Palo Alto Medical Foundation, 2005).
- Cutting, a form of self-harm, is a problem among teens. 25-45% of individuals with an eating disorder also self-harm (Claes, Vandereycken, & Vertommen, 2003).
- 25% of people with Anorexia are male. 40% of binge eaters are male (Hope 4 Eating Disorders, 2008).