Have you ever asked yourself, “am I pre-occupied with my eating habits? Do I obsess about how my body looks and feels?” According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), millions of Americans are battling an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. If you’re one of nearly thirty million Americans with an eating disorder, help is available. Read our eating disorder statistics, then contact our women’s only eating disorder treatment center today at 877.978.1667 to learn about your treatment options.
Eating Disorder Statistics
While NEDA does its best, the trouble with eating disorder statistics is that most people who are struggling with this condition don’t come forward. They may feel embarrassed or deny that they have a problem. Some people may also be confused about whether their condition is actually an eating disorder. Because each person’s symptoms and behaviors can differ significantly, they may not quite fit the clinical definition of an eating disorder. However, if you simply suspect that you may have an eating disorder, seeking treatment is a wise decision.
Anorexia
Anorexia is marked by extreme dieting and exercising to lose weight. Usually, it begins around puberty. NEDA estimates that somewhere between .5 to 3.7% of women will struggle with anorexia at some point in their lifetime. Furthermore, it is one of the most deadly mental illnesses, with young women with anorexia being 12 times as likely to die than women of the same age without anorexia. In addition, a 2003 study stated that individuals with anorexia are significantly more likely to die of suicide than individuals without anorexia.
Binge Eating
Binge eating is the most common eating disorder in the United States, according to the National Eating Disorder Association. Women who struggle with this condition repeatedly eating large amounts of food in one sitting. This condition usually begins in an individual’s late teens or early twenties. Nearly 3.5% of women will have a binge eating disorder in their life.
Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by individuals who periodically eat large amounts of foods, and then purge the content from their bodies by forcing themselves to vomit. The National Eating Disorder Association estimates that nearly 1.5% of American women will struggle with bulimia in their lifetime. Furthermore, almost half of bulimic individuals have a co-occurring disorder. In other words, they struggle with both bulimia and another mental health condition, such as anxiety or substance use.
Eating Disorder Recovery Statistics
While the statistics on eating disorders are troubling, the statistics about treatment are more encouraging. When individuals seek treatment for an eating disorder, nearly 60% of individuals are able to make a full recovery. Treatment is most successful when individuals seek treatment early, and the treatment is multifaceted, including mental health care, medical care, and nutritional education.
In many cases, those with eating disorders will need ongoing care, as this condition is chronic. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t seek treatment. With the appropriate treatment options, you can learn how to manage your condition in a healthy way. You can also gain the tools you need to healthily manage your weight and your food intake.
Get Treatment at Crossroads Maine Today
At Crossroads Maine, we know that struggling with an eating disorder can leave you feeling alone and confused. At our women’s only treatment center, we can help you break through the walls that your condition has caused you to build up. Our treatment programs are designed by women for women to ensure that you get the support and care you need. In addition, with our group therapy program, you can meet and work with other women who are also working to overcome their eating disorder. All you need to do is reach out for help. To learn more about eating disorder statistics, or to get treatment, contact Crossroads Maine by calling 877.978.1667 today.
