requires a gender-neutral finding of significant restriction of energy intake (Andersen, 2017a). Additional statistics pertaining to eating disorders show the incidence, prevalence, and some of the dangers of these diseases (Tracy, 2016). ● Some studies have suggested that 80% of women are dissatisfied with their appearance. ● It is estimated that 55% of the adult population of the United States is dieting at any given time. ● It is estimated that 0.6% of the adult population in the United States will suffer from anorexia nervosa, 1% from bulimia nervosa, and 2.8% from binge-eating disorder. ● 1 in 200 American women suffers from anorexia nervosa. ● 2 to 3 in 100 American women suffer from bulimia nervosa. ● It is estimated that 10% to 15% of people with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa are males. ● By their first year of college, 4.5% to 19% of women and 0.4% of men have a reported history of bulimia. ● Research has indicated that 35% of people who engage in “normal” dieting progress to pathological dieting. Of these 35%, 20% to 25% progress to partial or full-syndrome eating disorders. ● 38% of teenage males report that they would sacrifice at least a year of their lives for the perfect body; an estimated 5.3% of teenage males would sacrifice a decade or more. Evidence-Based Practice Alert! An estimated 95% of eating disorders begin at adolescence (Malcore, 2016). Healthcare professionals must be alert to any signs or symptoms of eating disorders among this population. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the development of eating disorders. Physical appearance as well as being popular and attractive are especially important to this age group. Eating disorders sometimes start with the belief that dieting and losing weight will make them popular, attractive, and happy. As weight loss occurs and they receive compliments about their slimmer appearance, susceptible adolescents may be tempted to carry weight loss to extremes. Still other adolescents may turn to food as a means of compensation for feelings of inadequacy resulting in weight gain and even obesity (Mayo Clinic, 2018a; National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). ● The mortality rate among people with anorexia nervosa has been estimated at 0.56% annually, or about 5.6% per decade. ● The death rate for anorexia nervosa is approximately 12 times higher than the annual death rate of all causes of death among females ages 15 to 24 years in the general population. ● Without treatment, as many as 20% of people with serious eating disorders will die. With treatment, the mortality rate decreases to 2% to 3%. ● Biological factors: Specific chemicals in the brain control hunger, appetite, and digestion. In persons with eating disorders, these chemicals may be out of balance. ● Genetics: Eating disorders often run in families. Evidence has indicated that there are major genetic contributions to eating disorders. ● Psychological factors: Stress, loneliness, depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, limited social network, and feelings of lack of control or inadequacy contribute to eating disorders.
Healthcare consideration :Some members not only of the general public but also of the healthcare provider community might not recognize how the problem of eating disorders among males has increased. Healthcare professionals have a serious obligation to educate clients, families, and professional colleagues about the existence of these types of disorders in both males and females. Andersen (2017a) pointed out that the widely quoted ratio of 10 females to 1 male with eating disorders is based on presentations at hospitals and other healthcare settings. However, this ratio most likely significantly underestimates the number of males who are dealing with eating disorders. Data from population-based surveys more accurately report the prevalence of eating disorders among males. There is a nearly equal prevalence when female-based diagnostic criteria and assumptions are included in data analysis. Recent community- based studies show a ratio of 1:2–3 males to females with some type of eating disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has eliminated references to amenorrhea in eating disorder diagnoses. The DSM-5 now Data Pertaining to Males For years, little attention was given to males with eating disorders. Current research has shown not only an increase in incidence and prevalence of eating disorders in males but also an increase in muscle dysmorphia (a pathological obsession with muscle building and extreme dieting). Males account for one in four eating disorders (Malcore, 2016; Mehler & Andersen, 2017). Following are some statistics regarding teenage males and eating disorders (Malcore, 2016): ● Data show that 18% of teenage males are highly concerned about their weight and physique, and 29% think about their appearance five or more times a day. ● Teenage boys are primarily concerned about gaining muscle. Data show the following: ○ 50% care only about gaining muscle. ○ 33% strive for both thinness and muscularity. ○ 15% care only about thinness. ○ 90% of teenage males who exercise do so to “bulk up” their muscle mass. ● Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) affects 25% of teenage males of normal weight who perceive themselves as underweight. Data Pertaining to Treatment and Mortality The statistics pertaining to treatment and mortality are very disturbing. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Research has shown that 5% to 10% of people with anorexia nervosa die within 10 years of developing the disease, and 18% to 20% will be dead within 20 years of developing the disease. Only 30% to 40% of persons with anorexia nervosa ever fully recover from the disease (Tracy, 2016). Additionally, research has revealed the following (Tracy, 2016): ● Only 1 in 10 people with an eating disorder receives treatment for the disorder. Etiology Possibilities What causes eating disorders? There is no simple answer to this question. Researchers believe that eating disorders are the result of a complex combination of factors, including genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social issues (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Researchers are investigating the following factors as contributors to the development of eating disorders (National Eating Disorders: Feeding Hope, 2018):
Page 119
Book Code: PYMA2024
EliteLearning.com/Psychology
Powered by FlippingBook