Eating disorders have reached epidemic levels in America:
All segments of society, young and old, rich and poor, all minorities, including African American and Latino.
Seven million women/One million men AGE AT ONSET OF ILLNESS
86% report onset of illness by the age of 20*
10% report onset at 10 years or younger
33% report onset between ages of 11-15
43% report onset between ages of 16-20
DURATION OF ILLNESS/MORTALITY77% report duration from one to fifteen years*
30% report duration from one to five years
31% report duration from six to ten years
16% report duration from eleven to fifteen years
It is estimated that six percent of serious cases die
Only 50% report being cured
COST OF TREATMENT
Treatment for anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia is often extremely expensive. Large numbers of victims require extensive medical monitoring and treatment, and therapy generally extends over two years or more.
Cost of inpatient treatment can be $30,000 or more a month. Many patients need repeated hospitalizations.
The cost of outpatient treatment, including therapy and medical monitoring, can extend to $100,000 or more. Eating disorders are rampant in our society, yet few states in the nation have adequate programs or services to combat anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Only a small number of schools and colleges have programs to educate our youth about the dangers of eating disorders. Every state in our nation and thousands of schools have extensive programs aimed to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse. The value of such programs, especially education programs, has been proven and accepted into school curricula.
The immense suffering surrounding eating disorders, the high cost of treatment and the longevity of these illnesses make it imperative that vastly expanded education programs be implemented to prevent anorexia nervosa and related disorders.
Since 86 percent of victims report the onset of their illness by age 20, education programs should focus on these ages in order to maximize preventive efforts.
* ANAD Ten Year Study
