Eating disorders are a range of psychological conditions that cause unhealthy eating habits to develop. They might start with an obsession with food, body weight, or body shape. In severe cases, eating disorders can cause serious health consequences and may even result in death if left untreated.
Hereof, why is it important to know about eating disorders?
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health illness. Eating disorders are unique among mental health disorders in that they manifest in physical health complications, which can lead to serious and life-threatening illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, organ failure and even death if not treated.
Likewise, people ask, why can’t I stop thinking about food?
Remember, thinking about food often is normal and part of being human. If you find yourself thinking about food and feel unable to stop, it could simply be the homeostatic pathway in your brain letting you know that your body needs energy.
Who is most likely to have an eating disorder?
Most eating disorders are much more common in women and girls than in men and boys. Girls in their teens are most likely to develop an eating disorder, but boys and men are also affected. In fact, one in every four children diagnosed with anorexia nervosa is a boy.
What should teens know about eating disorders?
Early consequences of teen eating disorders
Be alert for eating patterns and beliefs that might signal unhealthy behavior. Some red flags that might indicate an eating disorder include: Extreme weight loss or not making expected developmental weight gain. Frequently skipping meals or refusing to eat.
What percent of the world has an eating disorder?
General Eating Disorder Statistics
Eating disorders affect at least 9% of the population worldwide. 9% of the U.S. population, or 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.
