9 Facts About Eating Disorders That May Surprise You
Eating disorders, which were all the buzz in the 80s, may make for a hot headline these days if a celebrity is spotted looking like a waif, or if extreme eating restrictions spread throughout a school or a ballet company. Although anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorders don't seem to currently be as popular as cleanses, when it comes to these severe medical and emotional problems, no news is not good news.
Just because a subject doesn't make it to the tabloids doesn't mean it isn't happening in your own town, on your block -- or perhaps even in your own home.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, 20 million women and 10 million men in the U.S. will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or an eating disorder not otherwise specified. Moreover, there are millions who struggle with disordered eating behaviors but may not be diagnosed as readily because their outward appearance or symptoms are not as obvious. Their suffering is no less dangerous or destructive.
I once heard an overweight patient say, "I wish I had a little anorexia," but she didn't realize what her wish would bring. Side effects of this disorder include an abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure to conserve energy and keep the heart from working too hard. Teens and millennials with anorexia could have bones that resemble those of the elderly due to a reduction in bone density presenting as early osteoporosis. Muscle weakness, dehydration, fatigue and severe nutrient deficiencies are just a few of the side effects of a severely restrictive diet.
Bulimia can lead to serious gastrointestinal consequences, including inflammation, erratic bowel movements, peptic ulcers and possible rupture of the esophagus, along with irregular heart beat, electrolyte imbalances and erosion of tooth enamel, all potentially brought on by vomiting.
Earlier this year, NEDA, in conjunction with 12 other* prominent eating disorder treatment, advocacy and research groups, established a list of nine universal "truths" about eating disorders to help debunk misinformation, raise awareness and encourage early treatment. Myths surrounding eating disorders often lead to shame and secretive behaviors that could destroy relationships and worse yet, destroy lives.
The following nine "truths" about eating disorders may surprise you:
Truth No. 1: Many people with eating disorders look healthy, yet may be extremely ill.
Truth No. 2: Families are not to blame and can be the patients' and providers' best allies in treatment.
Truth No. 3: An eating disorder diagnosis is a health crisis that disrupts personal and family functioning.
Truth No. 4: Eating disorders are not choices, but serious biologically influenced illnesses.
Truth No. 5: Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, body shapes and weights, sexual orientations and socioeconomic statuses.
Truth No. 6: Eating disorders carry an increased risk for both suicide and medical complications.
Truth No. 7: Genes and environment play important roles in the development of eating disorders.
Truth No. 8: Genes alone do not predict who will develop eating disorders.
Truth No. 9: Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Early detection and intervention are important.
For further information or for treatment referrals, visit MyNEDA.org or contact NEDA's live helpline at 800-931-2237.
* In addition to NEDA, other organizations adopting "9 Truths" include: Academy for Eating Disorders; Binge Eating Disorder Association; Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action; Eating Disorder Parent Support Group; Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders; International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals Foundation; International Eating Disorder Action; Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association; National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders; Residential Eating Disorders Consortium; Project HEAL; and Trans Folx Fighting Eating Disorders.
