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What Is The Most Common Eating Disorder In America

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Dealing With Lack Of Research

The Most Common Eating Disorder You’ve Never Heard Of

There is very little research on eating disorders or bulimia in Asian Americans and almost no information on Native American populations. Of the available research, Asian Americans females seem to be less likely to suffer from eating disorders when compared to white females and report less binge eating, weight concerns and dieting.

Native American women, who are heavier, are often more likely to show purging behaviors such as vomiting and laxative abuse for means to control body weight. However, further research needs to be done in both minority groups to gain more insight and conclusions into this area.

Ongoing Need For Research

However, assessment and treatment remains difficult for these population groups based on several different factors. Because most diagnostic assessments utilize retrospective self-report techniques, many ethnic differences and recall biases come into play, specifically relating to cultural values.

Cultures that value self-preservation and dignity, may be less likely to report symptoms or need for treatment. Additionally, many Western interview tools must be adapted for cultural differences which may cause disparities when summarizing trends for bulimia nervosa prevalence.

Unfortunately, research is still very limited regarding eating disorders in major ethnic groups. The need for further research into subgroups of major US census population categories based on ethnic origins is essential for continued understanding of eating disorder behaviors in ethnic populations. Bulimia nervosa in major minority groups can be properly treated and prevented with increased awareness and significant continued research.

Binge Eating Disorder Treatment

If an individual is showing the signs or symptoms of binge eating disorder, seeking professional evaluation and treatment is the best course of action. The goal of binge eating disorder treatment is to help patients understand their disorder and overcome it, so they can begin on the path to true recovery. Evidence-based binge eating disorder treatment usually begins with determining;the underlying cause of the individuals disorder. In many cases, the disorder will have developed because of a combination of factors. Once these factors have been identified in binge eating therapy, it is easier for the patient to understand why he or she has the urge to engage in episodes of binging.

After the individual understands why he or she binge eats, the individual can begin working toward binge eating disorder recovery. Depending on the specifics of the situation, this process may involve psychotherapy to deal with body image issues or other psychiatric concerns, educational sessions to help the patient develop coping mechanisms or learn about proper diet and nutrition, alternative therapies to deal with stress and more. At the end of the binge eating treatment process, the patient should be able to utilize more positive coping skills,;even when faced with triggers.

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The Dangers Of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are very dangerous and even harder to overcome. Unless the patient has been hospitalized, there is often little incentive to change or seek out treatment. Early detection and treatment from clinics like Eden Treatment improve the recovery rate substantially, whereas those who only receive treatment after being forced to following hospitalization will more likely experience a relapse.;

Early detection and treatment are key, as eating disorders are deadly.;

The Dangerous Health Impact Of Anorexia

Eating Disorder Statistics

Anorexia has both long-lasting and life-threatening effects on physical health. Consequently, this eating disorder can permanently damage the body. The negative health impact of anorexia on teens and adults can include the following:

  • Fainting, fatigue, and weakness
  • Low blood pressure and abnormally slow heart rate, increasing the risk for heart disease and heart failure
  • Muscle loss
  • Insomnia.

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The Spread Of Binge Eating Disorder In The United States

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, binge eating disorder currently affects approximately 1.2 percent of all people in the United States. It is diagnosed twice as frequently among females as it is among males, and it usually begins when an individual is around the age of 21. The lifetime prevalence of binge eating disorder in the United States;is 2.8 percent.

Eating disorders in general have been on the rise in recent years. In fact, according to a study published in Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, the prevalence of eating disorders on college campuses has increased sharply over the past 13 years, now impacting more than 20 percent of male students and more than 30 percent of female students. Binge eating disorder is the most commonly diagnosed eating disorder of all, and its incidence only continues to grow.

Culture And Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can affect men and women of any culture and any age group; however, they are typically associated with white upper-socioeconomic groups. Other studies suggest individuals within Jewish, Catholic and Italian cultures are predisposed to eating disorders because of the importance they place on mealtimes and food.

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How Many People In The Uk Have An Eating Disorder

We believe approximately 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. Around 25% of those affected by an eating disorder are male.

Recent research from the NHS information centre showed that up to 6.4% of adults displayed signs of an eating disorder .

The Health and Care Information Centre published figures in February 2014 showed an 8% rise in the number of inpatient hospital admissions in the 12 months previous to October 2013. The Costs of Eating Disorders report found that this is indicative of the trend in increasing prevalence over time: a 34% increase in admissions since 2005-06 – approximately 7% each year.

What Causes Binge Eating Disorder

A First-Person Account of Binge Eating Disorder | WebMD

Researchers have not yet been able to find a specific cause of binge eating disorder. However, most experts believe it develops based;on;a combination of different factors. Some of the factors that may contribute to the development of binge eating disorder include psychological issues, a family history of binge eating disorder and a history of dieting. People who have binge eating disorder are more likely to have a negative self-image. They may be unhappy with their appearance, accomplishments or life in general.

People who have a family history of eating disorders may be more likely to develop binge eating disorder because they carry certain genes associated with this problem. Finally, people who have a history of dieting may develop binge eating disorder because of calorie restriction. The risk is especially high for people who also have depression.

Certain events, such as stress, can trigger episodes of binging.

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Bed Was Only Recently Recognized As A Disorder

In 2013, BED was finally categorized as a recognizable and treatable diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ;produced by the American Psychiatric Association. This was incredibly important to the treatment of the disease since a diagnosis that can be documented leads to greater access to care for sufferers. For example, most health insurance companies wont provide coverage for mental illness treatments that dont have an officially recognized DSM-5 diagnosis. Since its now listed as a disorder, many insurance plans cover treatment.

Family Involvement In Treating Eating Disorders

Treatment that involves the whole family is particularly effective for adolescents with eating disorders. One family-based treatment approach known as the Maudsley Method, or Maudsley Approach, includes all family members as an essential part of treatment. This includes re-establishing healthy eating, restoring weight, changing the disordered eating behavior, and addressing underlying mental health issues. According to research from Stanford University, family-based therapy for teens with anorexia is twice as effective as individual psychotherapy in producing full remission.

The model of putting kids in the hospital, which excludes parents, or of professionals expecting young adolescents to manage their own eating without their parents help when theyre immersed in anorexic thinking, really should be reconsidered.

James Lock, MD, PhD, Stanford University researcher

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What Is An Eating Disorder

An eating disorder is a life-threatening disease that causes people to go to extreme measures to control their weight and body image. They are a severe and sometimes fatal illness that causes serious changes in someones eating behaviors. The different types of eating disorders are binge eating disorder, compulsive eating disorder, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Some statistics on eating disorders:

  • Up to 30 million people in the United States of all ages and genders suffer from eating disorders
  • Approximately 13% of women over the age of 50 engage in some type of eating disorder behaviors
  • All races and ethnic groups are affected by eating disorders
  • A persons genes, environmental and personality factors all create a risk to develop an eating disorder
  • Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates among all mental health illnesses
  • In the transgender population, 16% of people have reported having an eating disorder
  • Not All People With Binge Eating Disorder Are Overweight

    Binge Eating: The Most Common Eating Disorder in the US

    While many binge eaters are overweight, you can be of normal weight while suffering from the disorder. Its interesting to note that most obese people dont engage in recurrent binge eating episodes, says Murphy. Experts say giant portions, a diet high in factors like calories, saturated fat and fast foods, as well as a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to obesity much more so than the loss-of-control binge eating episodes that characterize binge eating disorder.

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    Do Eating Disorders Run In Families

    Eating disorders are complex with no one sole cause, but we know from research that individuals might be predisposed due to their genetic or biological make up.

    Some research has found that female relatives of anorexia sufferers were 11.4 times more likely to suffer from anorexia compared to relatives of unaffected participants. For female relatives of those with bulimia, the likelihood of developing bulimia was 3.7 times that of those with unaffected relatives.

    It is not yet clear how much of this link between family members is genetic and how much is due to environmental factors.

    Athletes Eating Disorder Statistics

    • Athletes report higher rates of excessive exercise than nonathletes.14
    • Athletes are more likely to screen positive for an eating disorder than nonathletes, but percentages across all probable eating disorder diagnoses are similar.14
    • Athletes may be less likely to seek treatment for an eating disorder due to stigma, accessibility, and sportspecific barriers.14

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    Effects Of Binge Eating Disorder

    Binge eating disorder affects people in a number of ways. In some;cases, individuals;who have binge eating disorder become overweight because of their excessive calorie intake during episodes of binging.; People who have this disorder may also experience psychological complications because of their binge eating episodes. For example, many people with binge eating disorder become socially isolated because of shame associated with binging episodes and/or their appearance. Problems functioning at work and poor quality life are common among people with this disorder as well. Among people who become obese because of binge eating disorder, additional medical conditions may develop. Examples include sleep-related breathing disorders, gastroesophageal reflux, type 2 diabetes and joint problems.

    Binge eating disorder often occurs simultaneously with certain psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and depression.

    Binge Eating Disorder Was Only Recently Recognized As A Disorder

    Frequent Questions about Eating Disorders…

    In 2013, binge eating disorder was finally categorized as a recognizable and treatable diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders produced by the American Psychiatric Association. This was incredibly important to the treatment of the disease, since a diagnosis that can be documented leads to greater access to care for sufferers. For example, most health insurance companies wont provide coverage for mental illness treatments that dont have an officially recognized DSM-5 diagnosis. Since its now listed as a disorder, many insurance plans cover treatment.

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    How Can You Tell If Someone Has An Eating Disorder

    You cannot tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them. While it is true that some sufferers of anorexia are severely emaciated, some are not, and the majority of eating disorder sufferers do not have anorexia. Those suffering from bulimia may be within the normal weight range or may be overweight, while those with binge eating disorder are often overweight.

    Professor John Morgan at Leeds Partnership NHS Foundation Trust designed the SCOFF screening tool to indicate a possible eating disorder. A score of two or more positive answers is a positive screen.

    SCOFF questionnaire

    • Do you ever make yourself Sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
    • Do you worry you have lost Control over how much you eat?
    • Have you recently lost more than One stone in a three month period?
    • Do you believe yourself to be Fat when others say you are too thin?
    • Would you say that Food dominates your life?

    Statistics On Eating Disorders In Women

  • Of all female athletes participating in aesthetic sports like ballet, gymnastics, or figure skating nearly 42% will practice disordered eating.
  • Out of 496 adolescent females surveyed, around 5.2% could accurately be diagnosed with binge eating disorder, bulimia, or anorexia.
  • About 13.1% of women aged 50 and over have an eating disorder.
  • Only about 10% of anorexia and bulimia cases impact males.
  • There are stringent societal standards that both men and women feel the need to live up to.

    For men, fitting in means being muscular, masculine, and having little body fat. While nobody says that men dont develop eating disorders or as severely as women, women face these disorders at far more extraordinary rates.

    Once again why?

    • Thin has always been in, at least since the 1990s the celebrities getting the front cover of a magazine or a lead role in a movie needs a certain amount of sex appeal.
    • The sooner a woman hits puberty, the sooner shell stop growing shorter statures hold weight differently, and even a few extra pounds may be extremely noticeable.
    • Theres an ongoing desire to fit in and be beautiful this sometimes begins as soon as elementary school, which is scary to think about.

    Girls face both internal and external pressures to be perfect before they even reach middle school. And the craving to be thin shed a few pounds, or fit in doesnt fade as girls get older.

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    How Is It Diagnosed

    The first step to getting diagnosed for anorexia is to go to your primary care doctor or physician. They will perform a physical and mental health exam to determine whether you have an eating disorder. The exam may include getting your height, weight, vital signs, checking your skin and nails and examining your abdomen.

    Other lab tests can be performed to check electrolytes, protein and how well your liver, kidneys and thyroid are functioning. A urinalysis may also be done.

    Psychological evaluations are done in order to determine if there are any underlying mental health issues or disorders that are causing an eating disorder. This may include a doctor or mental health professional asking questions about your thoughts, feelings and eating behaviors. You may be asked to complete a psychological questionnaire.

    How Should People With Eating Disorders Seek Help

    Eating Disorders in College

    The first port of call for a sufferer should always be their making an appointment with their GP. The Beat Helpline is available for support and information, and can give people suggestions for how to approach their doctor. After seeking advice from your GP, it can be useful to search Beats HelpFinder to find specialised eating disorder help near you.

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    People With Disabilities Eating Disorder Statistics

    • Women with physical disabilities are more likely to develop eating disorders.9
    • 20-30% of adults with eating disorders also have autism.10
    • 3-10% of children and young people with eating disorders also have autism.10
    • 20% of women with anorexia have high levels of autistic traits. There is some evidence that these women benefit the least from current eating disorder treatment models.10
    • ADHD is the most commonly missed diagnosis in relation to disordered eating.11

    You Have A Better Chance Of Recovering From Bed Than Other Eating Disorders

    Prognosis for treatment is very positiveremission rates are higher in binge eating disorder treatment outcomes than in bulimia or anorexia, says Murphy. Careful attention to structure and emotional health are still essential to successful long-term self-care. Sufferers know they;shouldnt;binge, but the frustration and struggle occur when that knowledge seems to fly out the window during triggering moments when all they want to do is eat, says Murphy.;Most binge eating disorder treatment programs;include a;combination of methods;such as psychotherapy, support groups, nutrition counseling, and even alternative therapies like mindfulness and yoga.

    If you or someone you know is suffering from binge eating disorder or another eating disorder, here are some helpful resources to learn more and find help:

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    What Is Binge Eating Disorder

    Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder among Americans. It is characterized by recurring episodes of excessive food consumption, over a short period of time and often to the point of discomfort, accompanied by a loss of control, and feelings of shame and guilt. It frequently results in stress, isolation and reduced quality of life.

    While recurrent binge eating can ultimately result in weight gain, the disorder is not directly associated with weight one does not have to be overweight to have it. Binge eating disorder may also be referred to as emotional eating or compulsive overeating or food addiction. Binge eating disorder is a serious psychological illness which severely interferes with ones health and happiness.

    For someone to be diagnosed with binge eating disorder, the binge episodes must occur at least once a week for three months. However, related episodes of shorter frequency are still a cause for concern.

    People often experience binge eating for months or years before seeking treatment. A binge eating episode can manifest in several ways, including eating very rapidly, eating beyond the point of feeling full, eating when not physically hungry or eating alone in secrecy.

    Most binges involve the consumption of more than 1,000 calories, with a quarter of binges exceeding 2,000 calories. Unlike other eating disorders, those with binge eating disorder do not engage in compensatory behaviors designed to undo the calories consumed during a binge.

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