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.


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