Eating Disorders

Eating disorders have become increasingly common in the United States.  As many as 10% of college students may have an eating disorder.  Anorexia nervosa occurs in one out of 200 while Bulimia affects 2-3 people out of 100.   They can range from mild to severe, and can even be life- threatening.  Although they are more common in women, they can affect men.

People with anorexia nervosa restrict their consumption of calories and may become dangerously underweight.  Those with Bulimia nervosa have episodes where they consume large quantities of food followed by purging with laxatives or diuretics.  Meanwhile people with binge eating disorder eat large amounts of food, but do not purge.   People with binge-eating disorder often become obese.

For more information:

National Institute of Mental Health  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml

National Eating Disorders Association  http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/general-information

Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association  http://www.medainc.org/