Facts and Figures About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are difficult conditions because they affect all aspects
of a person's life. They are multifaceted disorders that affect a person's
whole being, including their psychological, emotional, and physical health.
They can be very destructive, and early intervention is key in order to
prevent serious health complications. Here are some facts and figures about
eating disorders that can help put this complicated condition in the context
of frequency and costs.
First, it is important to know that eating disorders can affect people
from all sorts of backgrounds. Eating disorders do not discriminate against
different genders, age groups, or socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural background.
Eating disorders can develop in anyone who is particularly vulnerable to
the condition. However, although eating disorders can affect anyone who with
low-self esteem, body image issues, or compulsive behaviors, they do tend
to be more prevalent among certain segments of the population. According
to recent research, there are approximately seven million women and one million
men currently suffering from some kind of eating disorder. On average, most
people with eating disorders develop them before the age of twenty, although
they can develop at any age. A ten-year study completed by the Anorexia Nervosa
and Related Disorders (ANAD) found that most people with an eating disorder
report that the condition has duration of between roughly one to fifteen
years. Thirty percent of those with a history of eating disorders reported
that their condition lasted between one and five years. Sadly, the studies
conducted by ANAD found that roughly six percent of all severe cases result
in death. ANAD's ten-year study also found that fifty percent of those interviewed
had not yet entered the recovery stage.
Another interesting finding has to do with the cost of treating eating
disorders, an aspect of the condition and treatment process that is rarely
studied. Unfortunately, the treatment of eating disorders such as anorexia
nervosa and bulimia can be very expensive. Eating disorders can be very
difficult to treat, and treatment can last several years. In fact most
patients can expect to be in some form treatment for several years. For
instance, treatment at a private inpatient treatment facility can cost
up to $30,000. For serious cases, outpatient treatment that requires
extensive medical monitoring and therapy can cost up to $100,000. The
cost of treating this complex condition provides ample reason for implementing
prevention and awareness programs at schools and colleges.
ANAD and other eating disorder awareness organizations recommend that schools
reach out to young people to raise awareness about the destructive nature
of eating disorders. Since most studies indicate that individuals develop
eating disorders during their adolescence, it makes sense to promote greater
education and awareness about eating disorders at an early age. At the
moment, few schools have eating disorder awareness programs as part of
the official school curriculum. Eating disorders are widespread and difficult
to treat, so it makes sense to reach out to young people to raise awareness
about the destructiveness and complexity of this condition.
>> Finding
Eating Disorder Support Groups >>
