Disordered Eating
(also known as eating disorders)

Causes

Not all expert agree on the cause of eating disorders. But they do agree on three key points.

• It is a symptom of serious distress. Food itself is not the primary
  problem.

• Early detection means a better chance for permanent recovery.

• The most effective treatment includes medical, dental,
  psychotherapy, nutrition education and family counseling.

There are many factors involved in the development of disordered eating - -  psychological, neurochemical and sociocultural factors all play and important role.

An estimated one million or more Americans suffer from eating disorders. Between 5% and 20% will die from medical complications as a result of their disease. It occurs predominately in white middle and upper classes although it has been reported in all social and racial groups.

Research indicates that there is a higher incidence among athletes compared to non-athletes, especially in sports that emphasize leanness to enhance performance (runners, light weight crew and wrestlers). Disordered eating is also more common in sports where appearance as well as leanness is important (gymnasts, divers, figure skaters, and ballet dancers).

Overweight and obese individuals suffer from a condition known as binge eating disorder (BED). No one is immune to the possibility of developing some sort of disordered eating patterns no matter what your age, race, weight or economic status.

Females are the most susceptible. It is estimated that approximately 95% of all people with anorexia nervosa are women.

Adolescent girls are particularly at risk. Estimates indicate that 1 out of every 250 teenage girls will develop at least some symptoms of anorexia.

Athletes, such as figure skaters and dancers, who must control their weight, are susceptible.

Disordered Eating patterns are being increasingly identified in males, as well as in adults and even in children as young as 8-10 years of age.