We see it every day in the media – celebrities and models with flawless, photo-shopped bodies that are unrealistic and unobtainable for the majority of individuals. Seeing these types of images can sometimes make us believe we should all look that skinny, toned, buff or cellulite free, and even push some to extreme, unhealthy behaviors, like restricting caloric intake or over-exercising. Eating disorders are more common than we tend to think. In fact, about 24 million people in the United States suffer from an eating disorder. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are considered mental illnesses. Out of any mental illness, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate. Below are some more shocking statistics about eating disorders today.
- 91% of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting, and 22% dieted “often” or “always.”
- 86% report onset of eating disorder by age 20; 43% report onset between ages of 16 and 20.
- Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents.
- 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25.
- Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives.
From these statistics it is clear that eating disorders among individuals, especially adolescents, need to be addressed. This is a well-written article that defines positive and negative body image, factors that contribute to a poor body image, the negative consequences of poor body image, and techniques to help your teen have a more positive body image. Although not openly discussed, it is important to remember that males also struggle with eating disorders, and it is important to know what the warning signs are. For more reading, you can read about one man’s struggle with bulimia and how he got help.
- 91% of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting, and 22% dieted “often” or “always.”
- 86% report onset of eating disorder by age 20; 43% report onset between ages of 16 and 20.
- Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents.
- 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25.
- Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives.
From these statistics it is clear that eating disorders among individuals, especially adolescents, need to be addressed. This is a well-written article that defines positive and negative body image, factors that contribute to a poor body image, the negative consequences of poor body image, and techniques to help your teen have a more positive body image. Although not openly discussed, it is important to remember that males also struggle with eating disorders, and it is important to know what the warning signs are. For more reading, you can read about one man’s struggle with bulimia and how he got help.
Be sure to check out the handouts from our last speaker series -
Dieting and Disordered Eating in the Teenage Years: How to help your daughter/son combat social pressures and maintain a healthy and confident body image!
-Erin Brown
Dieting and Disordered Eating in the Teenage Years: How to help your daughter/son combat social pressures and maintain a healthy and confident body image!
-Erin Brown
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