Eating Disorder Information

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating Disorders Are Not Just about Food….Nor Are They Just About Shape and Weight

Eating Disorders are a complex expression of underlying problems with identity and self-concept. These difficulties often stem from traumatic experiences and are influenced by societal ideals of beauty and worth. A person who develops an eating disorder may also be responding to biological factors, family issues, and their psychological makeup. Eating disorders can affect anyone - it doesn’t matter what your economic background is, what race you are or what you do for a living. Although most people suffering from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are adolescent girls and young women, eating disorders affect all ages and both genders. Eating disorders can be treated.

Fast Facts about Eating Disorders

• Socio-cultural pressures to be thin are strongly linked to the development of eating disorders.
• 85% of Canadian women are dissatisfied with their bodies.
• 40% of adolescent boys are dissatisfied with their bodies.
• Body dissatisfaction is a common issue in persons with eating disorders.
• 95% of people who diet will eventually gain back the lost weight.
• Successful weight management comes through life-style changes regarding food, exercise and stress management.
• 80-90% of eating disorders begin with a diet.

• The number of males experiencing an eating disorder is increasing. In adults 10% of eating disorders occur in men, while for adolescents 20% of eating disorders are in boys.
• Eating disorders are not just about food-personal and relationship issues are involved.
• Anorexia and/or bulimia affect over 5% of young Canadian women. Specific percentages for males are not available.
• 15-20% of Canadian women have many of the symptoms of an eating disorder.
• There are five times as many people with bulimia as with anorexia.
• Most eating disorders begin in the teenage years.
• 70% of eating disorders last longer than five years, with almost one quarter lasting more than 15 years.
• Studies suggest that many males may be seeking medical help for the side effects of an eating disorder but not for the disorder itself.
• Reverse anorexia”, characterized by a fear of being too small and weak, may occur in some male athletes such as body builders and wrestlers. This may occur even if the individuals are male athletes such as body builders and wrestlers. This may occur even if the individual is large and muscular. It may also be associated with anabolic steroid use in adolescent males.
• The complexity of eating disorders would suggest the advisability of a continuum of health services. These should include medical monitoring, nutritional and support group guidance, and individual, group and family counselling.
• The resolution of an eating disorder is not just a matter of willpower.
• Experienced help is needed to overcome an eating disorder.
• The first step to wellness is to STOP RESTRAINED EATING and to BREAK THE BINGE-PURGE CYCLE.
• Long term therapy goals include: conflict resolution, stress management and assertiveness training, improving self-esteem, addressing family and inter personal relationship difficulties, resolving abuse issues and providing body image therapy.