It's nearing the end of National Eating Disorders Awareness week, but it's important not to forget the myriad of eating disorders present. Starting on Feb. 24 and ending on March 1, the week is an attempt to highlight disorders that may not get as much attention as usual.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, about 31 percent of female college students have an eating disorder. This can include the well-known illnesses like anorexia or bulimia, or the less-known disorders such as binge eating disorder, according to The Nicholls Worth. In addition, eating disorders can impact men and women of all ages.
"80 pecent of 10-year-olds are worried they're fat or are afraid of being fat," said Meredith Glick Brinegar, who counsels eating disorder patients, in an interview with ABC News. "Third graders are worried about this. The body image piece is starting earlier. Body image and body dissatisfaction is a major risk factor for an eating disorder."
Yet while anorexia and bulimia are important, it's the less-known disorders that really should be paid attention to during this week.
Binge eating disorder was newly classified, which is why you may be hearing more about it in the press. The disorder affects nearly as many men and women, and is most common in middle-age women. The disorder causes a person to ingest many thousands of calories in a relatively short period of time, and occurs multiple times each day, night or week. This eating behavior is also usually done in secret, according to The Huffington Post.
This week, make sure you take notice. Eating disorders are a serious problem, and those who have them should seek help. It's important to live a healthy lifestyle, and eat right in order to maintain your well-being.
