Many of us will become preoccupied with food at some point in our life, according to research into eating disorders.
“Researchers from Columbia University are warning that eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are faced by as many as one in 20 people during their lifetime,” KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough reported this week.
These disorders are “characterized by serious disturbances in eating behaviors as well as intense preoccupation with issues regarding eating, weight, body size and shape,” according to Columbia’s Eating Disorders Clinic. It also noted that the disorders can fall on a spectrum, with some people who don’t meet the specific criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for the conditions still suffer from negative impacts related to disordered eating.
National Alliance of Mental Illnesses NYC also cited the one in 20 figure. For some people, going without treatment for eating disorders can result in the conditions taking over their life and even potentially becoming fatal, the organization added.
“Although eating disorders are commonly associated with women, men can develop them as well,” NAMI noted.
Eating disorders can also manifest in a variety of ways. For example, anorexia nervosa is characterized by avoiding food, while bulimia is characterized by cycles of binge eating and purging. Columbia offers a list of questions for people who think they may have an eating disorder to help understand their relationship with food better.
Additionally, the causes for eating disorders are complicated and are still being studied. Factors can include genetics, environment, peer pressure and emotional health.
“The authors stress that there are treatments available and people should not be ashamed to get help,” said McDonough of the Columbia research he referenced. “Eating disorders are serious. For instance, a person with anorexia has a mortality rate six times higher than at the same age who does not have the eating disorder.”
Resources related to eating disorders are available through the National Institute of Mental Health.