Eating Disorder Statistics
Eating disorders statistics: Stereotypical or surprising?
Everyone’s heard a lot about eating disorders statistics and many of us think we can picture the girl who struggles with this difficult addiction. She’s tiny, almost frail-like, pretty though, probably Caucasian, social – she even makes us feel jealous because she’s so cute…right? WRONG!! Believe it or not, “she” isn’t always female. In fact, an estimated 10-15% of people with anorexia or bulimia are males! Surprise! Yep, that’s right, not only have Paula Abdul, Joan Rivers, and Princess Di battled eating disorders, Elton John has too. Also, minorities have the exact same rates of eating disorders as white people. And, these individuals may be socially withdrawn to hide their addiction, their skin, hair, and teeth suffer may from their diets making them less attractive (especially to themselves), and depending on their eating disorder, they may even be overweight. So much for stereotypes!
Speaking of eating disorder statistics… it is estimated that 8 million Americans have an eating disorder – seven million women and one million men. Interestingly, 2 to 3 of every 100 women in America suffer from bulimia and 1 in every 200 suffers from anorexia. Skewed body image perceptions are starting very young too – which isn’t a surprise considering how our culture worships flesh. Anorexia is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents, 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25, and 50% of girls between the ages of 11 and 13 see themselves as overweight.
As far as mortality rates go, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, and a recent study indicates that the mortality rate associated with anorexia is 12 times higher than the death rate of all cause of death for females 15-24 years old. Let’s help these people out! If you, or someone you love is struggling with this illness, help is available. But, only 1 out of 10 people who have an eating disorder actually get treatment and many of those who do don’t stick with it long enough to make a difference. Being educated about eating disorders and statistics, supportive, and loving to these individuals (or to yourself if you are fighting this) can improve individual lives and society as a whole.
Statistics from https://www.state.sc.us/dmh