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Prevalence and Outcome
Prevalence of Eating Disorders:
Each year, millions of people in the United States succumb to potentially life-threatening
eating disorders. Estimates of people afflicted with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia
Nervosa in the United States range from 2% to 6%. This implies that between 5 and
16 million people suffer from these disorders. As many as 25 million more individuals
suffer from Binge Eating Disorder. Approximately 90% of those afflicted with these
disorders are women. The potentially fatal disease, Anorexia Nervosa, occurs within
the population at approximately .5% to 2%. Estimates for the occurrence of Bulimia
Nervosa range from 1% to 4% of the population. Although eating disorders can affect
people of all ages, 86% of individuals afflicted with these disorders report the
onset before the age of 20. The occurrence of eating disorders among college age
women can almost be considered epidemic. Between 19% and 30% of this age group display
bulimic behavior. The current trend is that eating disorders are affecting younger
and younger individuals. It is estimated that currently 11% of high school students
may have a diagnosable eating disorder. Athletes and dancers may face a greater
risk for developing an eating disorder. In ballet, for example, success may depend
on the attainment of a wiry and extremely thin body type. For athletes, particularly
women in "appearance sports" which include gymnastics and figure skating, appearance
also seems to play a key role in success. Of females who participate in these types
of athletic activities, as well as track and cross-country, 62% have been reported
to have eating disorders.
Course and Outcome of Eating Disorders:
The onset for Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa is usually during late adolescence
or early adulthood. The illnesses usually begin following a stressful life event.
Many eating disordered individuals feel out of control with their life and through
the practice of the eating disorder get a false sense of control. They often went
through a period of being overweight and being teased or felt left out because of
their weight. Their first attempts at weight loss were often met with success and
positive comments from their family and peers. Of individuals with eating disorders,
77% usually practice their eating disorders between 1 and 15 years. Eating disorders
are among the deadliest mental disorders with up to 10% succumbing to death as a
result of starvation, cardiac arrest, or suicide. The mortality rate for females
between the ages of 15 and 24 suffering from Anorexia Nervosa is 12 times higher
that the mortality rate for all other causes of death in this age group. Eating
disorders are most successfully treated with early diagnosis. For anorexics that
receive treatment, 40% recover completely, 40% make only partial recovery, and 20%
have chronic problems. For bulimics, 50% recover completely, 35% have some bulimic
episodes, and 15% still have chronic problems with their bulimia.
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