Things to Know About Eating Disorders:

• 30 million Americans suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some point in their life. This number consists of 20 million women and 10 million men.
• Eating disorders do not have a specific “look” – many individuals with eating disorders look healthy, yet may be extremely ill.
• Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
• Only 1 in 10 women and men with eating disorders receive proper treatment.
• Nearly half of all Americans know someone affected by an eating disorder.
• In the most basic form, eating disorders are defined by “any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits.”
• Eating disorders are serious emotional and physical problems that can have life-threatening consequences for females and males.
• Eating disorders are real, complex and devastating conditions that can have serious long-term health consequences when left untreated.
• Eating disorders are not a fad, phase or choice.
• All socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural groups are at risk of developing an eating disorder.
• Compared to other significant illnesses, there is very little national funding available for eating disorders.
• To effectively treat an eating disorder, the recommended treatment team consists of a Physician, Psychologist/Psychotherapist and Dietitian/Nutritionist.