The National Eating Disorder Information Centre, reports that among Canada's young women (aged 15-24) in 2002, the prevalence of eating disorders was 1.5%. They also report, based on findings from clinical studies, that the lifetime prevalence of anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder are somewhat "low" (<5%). However, in 2013 an article from CTV News expressed concern about rising rates of eating disorders among adults, adolescents, and children, some even as young as 5 years old. What's more is that the Government of Saskatchewan has shared some scary but eye-opening information about EDs including that 85% of women are dissatisfied with their bodies, and 15-20% of Canadian women exhibit symptoms of EDs.
While EDs are common among women, they are not restricted to just one gender. In fact, not only is it thought that the prevalence of EDs among males is rising, studies have found that 40% of adolescent boys are dissatisfied with their bodies, and many males with EDs seek help for treating the symptoms of their disorder but not for the disorder itself. From all of the statistics and studies on EDs one thing is clear: many people are suffering from potentially life-threatening EDs, and too many are suffering in silence.
So how can we help reduce the number of those struggling with EDs? One way would be to better understand EDs, so that we may better identify these patients, help connect them with treatments, and support them through recovery. As the causes of and risk factors for EDs tend to be numerous and multifactorial, in addition to varying from patient to patient, one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with EDs is likely through increased exposure. That being said, below you will find a small collection of written stories and blog posts, as well as a few videos that allow you to gain deeper insight into the background stories and experiences of those with AN, BN, and BED.
While EDs are common among women, they are not restricted to just one gender. In fact, not only is it thought that the prevalence of EDs among males is rising, studies have found that 40% of adolescent boys are dissatisfied with their bodies, and many males with EDs seek help for treating the symptoms of their disorder but not for the disorder itself. From all of the statistics and studies on EDs one thing is clear: many people are suffering from potentially life-threatening EDs, and too many are suffering in silence.
So how can we help reduce the number of those struggling with EDs? One way would be to better understand EDs, so that we may better identify these patients, help connect them with treatments, and support them through recovery. As the causes of and risk factors for EDs tend to be numerous and multifactorial, in addition to varying from patient to patient, one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with EDs is likely through increased exposure. That being said, below you will find a small collection of written stories and blog posts, as well as a few videos that allow you to gain deeper insight into the background stories and experiences of those with AN, BN, and BED.
- "Casey's Story: Defeating My Demons and Taking Control of My Life" and "Marie's Story: Overcoming Binge Eating" (Mental Health Foundation)
- "Eric's Story" (Men Get Eating Disorders Too)
- More stories from men who have experienced EDs can be found here: http://mengetedstoo.co.uk/stories/personal-stories
3. "Ruth's Story" and "Poppy's Story"
- More stories from youth who have experienced anorexia can be found here: http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_children_young_people/real_stories/filter/anorexia
4. "Sometimes I Miss Being Anorexic: The Story of A Girl With an Eating Disorder Many Can Relate To" (Elite
Daily)
5. Starving Secrets - Lisa/Suzanne
- Additional Starving Secrets episodes can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/user/HealthAndDiet101/videos
6. Perfect Illusions
- Narrated by Lauren Hutton, this PBS documentary follows the experiences of four families whose lives have been irrevocably altered by eating disorders. The signs and symptoms of eating disorders are presented side-by-side with the real-life stories of those who suffer. Along with in-depth interviews with bulimics 16-year-old Suni and 20-year-old Annie, the film features 26-year-old Marya Hornbacher, author of the groundbreaking memoir "Wasted," the chronicle of a 15-year battle with anorexia and bulimia.The girls' families also speak out about the emotional and financial toll their loved ones' eating disorders exact, as well as the strength they found, and still find, to make it through the ongoing recovery process (http://www.takepart.com/article/2008/02/28/top-9-films-about-eating-disorders)
7. Thin
- Eating disorders affect five million people in the U.S., and more than 10% of those diagnosed with anorexia nervosa will die from the disease. Seeking to put a human face on these sobering statistics, acclaimed photographer Lauren Greenfield went inside a Florida treatment center to tell the stories of four women who are literally dying to be thin. The devastating HBO documentary THIN reveals what she found there - and explores the issues underlying their illness (http://www.takepart.com/article/2008/02/28/top-9-films-about-eating-disorders).
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