Controversy: Young, White, Middle Class Women ONLY?!?

A huge controversy surrounding eating disorders is who they affect! Throughout the history of eating disorder research, anorexia and bulimia have typically been viewed as "womens' disorders". Because the most common group affected include caucasian, middle class girls (probably assumed to be under 30 years of age), it is not uncommon for males or people of other ethinicities to not be taken as seriously. Though doctors may not always consider people in these two groups to have an eating disorder, a possible explanation for the reason the numbers are so low when it comes to eating disorder statistics (about 10% of those diagnosed with an eating disorder are male and an even smaller percent are of a different ethinicity) is because those who do not fit the "mold" of the eating disorder world are hesitant to come out about their illness for fear of being mocked, rejected, or dismissed.

What can we do to solve this problem? Educate! The only way for people to get the help they need is through education to the general public that these disorders are not limited to teenage and college girls. Everyone who is suffering deserves help!


Did you know?

-Many physicians are unaware that anorexia occurs in both sexes.
-Average age of onset of anorexia in males is 17-24.
-The most common traits in male anorectics are perfectionism and obsession.
-Anorexia and bulimia can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, race, socioeconomic status, or sexual preference.
-According to a research study performed by Rebecka Peebles of Stanford University, American Indians and Alaskan Natives are the two most likely ethnic groups to develop eating disorders after Caucasians!
-If not treated early enough, an eating disorder can last throughout a person's lifetime.
-Eating disorders can develop in anyone, regardless of age. People middle age and higher are affected.