Eating Disorder Awareness Week is held in the United States during the week of February 21st- 27th. In the United States alone, there is an estimated 20 million women and 10 million men that have or have had an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Although the term eating is in the name, eating disorders are about more than food. They are complex mental health conditions that often require the involvement of medical and psychological experts to alter their course. These disorders are described in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Eating disorders are a range of psychological conditions that cause unhealthy eating habits to develop. They might start with an obsession with food, body weight, or body shape. In severe cases, eating disorders can cause serious health consequences and may even result in death if left untreated.
Those with eating disorders can have a variety of symptoms. However, most include the severe restriction of food, food binges, or purging behaviors like vomiting or over-exercising.
Although eating disorders can affect people of any gender at any life stage, they’re most often reported in adolescents and young women. In fact, up to 13% of young adults may experience at least one eating disorder by the age of 20.
The Six (6) Leading Eating Disorders Are:
1. Anorexia Nervosa
2. Binge Eating Disorder (Bulimia)
3. Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED)
4. Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
5. Rumination Disorder
6. Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED)
Common examples of disordered eating include:
• Fad diets
• Cleanses
• Heightened focus on appearance
• Skipping meals
• Supplement misuse
• Diet pills
• Extreme social media focused on appearance or food
• Undereating or overeating
Importantly, eating disorders are complex and some eating issues will not meet diagnostic criteria. All eating concerns and disorders must be taken seriously.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!