KICKING ED 

Closing the gap between diet culture and Eating Disorders 

  • Eating disorders (ED) are a recognized disorder by the DSM (diagnostic statistical Manual) published by the American Psychological Association. ED can impact a persons physical and mental well being, as well as the lives of those around them. Nearly 30 million men and women in the United States suffer from the disorder. Eating disorders have consequences that are serious and can be life threatening. 
  • A silent epidemic across the nation, people carry the physical and emotional toll of living with ED every day. Those who suffer from this disorder are at an increased risk of complications like heart failure, organ failure, malnutrition, depression or suicide. 
  • Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, first appearing most commonly during teen years but can become present at any point in life. Men and women alike suffer from eating disorders. The research shows that 25% of men experience ED in their lives, however research on this is limited due to the stigma surrounding men's mental health. Many researchers believe under reporting in males is apparent so the numbers are estimated to be much higher. 
  • There are over several different types of eating disorders. To list a few, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, pica (eating nonfood items as an alternative to food), avoidant food intake, and many other classifications. Unfortunately eating disorders do not discriminate on who they affect, with diagnoses in the millions anyone can be affected.   
  • The symptoms of eating disorders are not the same from person to person. Many common warnings signs are extreme restricted eating, body dysmorphia, a relentless pursuit of thinness, distorted body image, self esteem that is heavily influenced by perceptions of body weight and shape, vomiting voluntarily, bingeing excessively on certain foods, or preoccupation with food, body, and consumption. If you know someone suffering from an eating disorder, there are many outreaches that can help.