Four out of ten Americans have suffered from an eating disorder or know someone who has.  Is that statistic shocking to you?  Or maybe you are nodding your head in agreement because you or someone you love has dealt with an eating disorder.

February 20-26 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an eating disorder is present when …

a person experiences severe disturbances in eating behavior, such as extreme reduction of food intake or extreme overeating, or feelings of extreme distress or concern about body weight or shape.

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the two most known form of eating disorders.  But there is also binge eating disorder, purging disorder, rumination, diabulmia, food maintenance, pica, orthorexia nervosa and eating disorders otherwise not specified. (Source: Wikipedia)

Eating disorders most commonly appear during adolescence and young adulthood in girls and women, although an estimated 5-15% of eating disorder sufferers are male.  An eating disorder is a real, treatable medical condition with both psychological and biological causes. There are numerous health complications that result from eating disorders, including various heart conditions.

Symptoms of eating disorders vary according to the type of eating disorder.  Medical and psychological treatment are both used to help a person suffering from an eating disorder.

If you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder, please seek assistance from a trusted medical professional.  Eating disorders can be life threatening if left untreated.

Resources: National Eating Disorders Association, American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association

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