Eating Disorders Awareness

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                Did you know that in the U.S. alone, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their lives? Countless more individuals are affected by sub-clinical disordered eating behaviors and attitudes. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, mortality rates among those suffering from eating disorders are around 4-5%.

                The negative health impacts of disordered eating patterns are profound, and some may be lifelong. Disordered eating can lead to osteoporosis, muscle loss, tooth decay and heart failure. Additionally, eating disorders are often accompanied by substance abuse, depression and other mental health diseases.

                Due to the multi-faceted treatment challenges that accompany disordered eating patterns, the greatest hope for reducing the mortality rate associated with these diseases lies in prevention.

                How can we prevent eating disorders? We can be aware of the expectations that our society places on young people, and the messages that equate thinness with success and happiness. We can choose not to voice judgements on others based on their appearance. Instead, we can be vocal about the character and inherent strengths that we see in each person.

Warning signs of an eating disorder include:

  • Following increasingly strict diets, regardless of weight
  • Habitual trips to the bathroom immediately after eating
  • Secretly bingeing on large amounts of food
  • Hoarding large amounts of food
  • Increase in consumption of laxatives, diuretics or diet pills
  • Exercising compulsively, often several hours per day
  • Using prescription stimulant medications (like Adderall) and/or illegal stimulant drugs (like cocaine) to suppress appetite
                If you or someone you know is exhibiting concerning behaviors or attitudes regarding food, physical activity or body weight, consider taking the National Eating Disorders Association’s free and confidential screening tool, found at http://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/NEDA .


Author Karna Stuchlik R.D., L.D. is a registered dietitian and Learning Development Partner for Saint Luke's Health System. She also serves as a member of Lee’s Summit’s Health Education Advisory Board.

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