Understanding eating disorders: the statistics and warning signs
By: Riley Robalewski
⚠️ This paper heavily discusses eating disorders, including signs and symptoms, risk factors, etc. Do not feel obliged to read this paper if this is a hard or uncomfortable topic. ⚠️
Twenty million women and 10 million men in the U.S. will suffer from an eating disorder during their lifetime.
Eating disorders are a wide range of psychological disorders that are characterized but not limited to abnormal or disrupted eating behaviors. They affect people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, religions, sexual orientation, body shape, and weight.
Talking about eating disorders is important, as they have the highest mortality rate amongst all mental health illnesses. Without being treated, an eating disorder can become fatal. Every 52 minutes, at least one person dies from complications related to an eating disorder, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD).
Signs & symptoms to understand when talking about eating disorders:
Emotionally:
Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, and dieting
Appears uncomfortable eating around others
Skipping meals or taking small portions of food
Withdrawal from usual friends and activities
Frequent dieting
Extreme concern with body size and shape
Frequent checking in the mirror
Physically:
Noticeable fluctuations in weight, up or down
Dizziness, especially upon standing
Constantly feeling cold
Muscle weakness
Poor wound healing
Impaired immune function
Let’s talk athletes, who are 2-3 times MORE likely than the average person to develop an eating disorder:
Although usually sports are a way to increase self-esteem and confidence, sometimes the promotion of conditioning and ability to perform can have a direct correlation to body image and physical appearance. To increase performance, athletes may delve into the manipulation of their weight, which uses unhealthy methods of weight loss /gain.
Warning signs in athletes include but are not limited to:
-Concerns regarding body image, weight, appearance
-Slowed heart rate & blood pressure
-Increase in fatigue
-Decrease in performance/ability
-Longer and or more difficult recovery
-Increase in workouts and or lack of days off
Debunking common myths surround eating disorders:
You have to be underweight to have an eating disorder.
FALSE. There’s no correct way to “look” to show signs or symptoms of an eating disorder.
Only girls can develop eating disorders.
FALSE. Anyone of any gender can be affected by an eating disorder. Although they may be most common amongst young women in their teens and early twenties, eating disorders are found in men and women of all ages.
Eating disorders aren’t dangerous.
FALSE. Eating disorders are very serious and are harmful both physically and mentally. If left untreated, eating disorders can become irreversible and develop life-threatening conditions like stunted growth, kidney damage, heart disease, bone loss, etc.
What to AVOID doing to those with eating disorders & why
-Don’t give ultimatums and pressure.
-Don’t make comments about someone else’s appearance and weight. Steer conversations more towards their feelings, making comments about their bodies can be triggering.
-Don’t try to create “simple” solutions. Eating disorders are complex and challenging, and may take a long time to recover from.
What’s important to remember:
The chance for recovery increases the earlier an eating disorder is detected.
Resources like https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline are available, whether you call, text, or online chat to be provided help.
Friends and family are often needed to help encourage loved ones with eating and/or body image issues to seek help; if you think someone you know may show signs of an eating disorder, try to be supportive and patient. Understand that sometimes people are afraid of starting their journey of recovery. Openly listen and avoid conversations centered around food, weight, or appearance.
Email rilearoba@charihochargers.org with any questions or concerns.
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