Shocking Eating Disorder Statistics

The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness has compiled a list of United States eating disorder statistics that may open a few eyes to the problem that many Americans suffer from.  With the research, many misconceptions are proved wrong or inaccurate in some way.

For example, according to the American Journal of Psychiatry, approximately 10 to 15% of people suffering from anorexia or bulimia are male, proving the misconception that eating disorders primarily affect women to be wrong.  In fact, men constitute 40% of all of those exhibiting Binge Eating Disorder and 1 in 5 males would trade 3 to 5 years of their life to achieve their ideal body weight.

Other eating disorder statistics bolster already known issues — such as the prevalence of eating disorders among the youth.  It is no secret that young men and women face pressures not only from the media, but from their peers.  A girl walking through her high school may see many girls that they are jealous of, and feel insecure.  This insecurity, along with a lack of self-esteem, can very well lead to an eating disorder.

In fact, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reported eating disorder statistics that found that 11% of high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder.  Additionally, 90% of those with eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25, which leads to significant concerns about the pre-teen population.

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle during childhood is extremely important.  The body requires the proper nutrients to cultivate the young organs, muscles, and bones of a child.  Surprisingly, 42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner and 46% of 9-11 year-olds are “sometimes” or “very often” on diets.  It is also surprising to hear that 81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat, and 51% of 9 and 10 year old girls feel better about themselves if they are on a diet.

These eating disorder statistics are frightening, as dieting at a young age can present many health problems, such as weakened bones.  Dieting at a young age has been found to actually cause more weight gain in the long run and contribute to long-term eating disorders.

The dangers that an eating disorder can have to overall health are staggering as well.  The American Journal of Psychiatry found that 5 to 10 percent of anorexics die within 10 years of onset and 18-20 percent die within 20 years of onset.  Furthermore, a young woman with anorexia is 12 times more likely to die than other women of the same age.  Suicide and heart problems are common consequences of an eating disorder.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 women struggle from an eating disorder or disordered eating.  The issue is particularly severe in the United States, where up to 25 million Americans suffer from eating disorders.  Compared to the 70 million suffering worldwide, it is clear that there are social and cultural implications that make the issues especially prevalent in the United States.

That being said, the young women and men that suffer from disordered eating are in need of help.  Hopefully, these eating disorder statistics raise some eyebrows and raise awareness.  By raising awareness about the issue and the impact that the issue is having on the American population, victims of eating disorders may receive the help they need.  Whether they receive it through their friends, family, or professionally, outside help is essential in overcoming such a tough psychological, mental, and physical battle.