Eating disorder prevalence in the United States isn’t a new consideration, as current estimates suggest that 20 million women and 10 million men will have an eating disorder during their lifetime. Furthermore, individuals identifying as transgender were reported to be four times as likely to experience a diagnosed eating disorder compared with cisgender, minority identified women, seven times more likely compared to cisgender, minority identified men, and 12-15 times more likely compared to cisgender, heterosexual men and women. These findings are alarming to say the least and are increasing in prevalence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2020 survey examined the severity and prevalence of eating disorders and concurrent mental health conditions due to the pandemic and found significant increases.
Eating disorder prevalence is steadily increasing and symptoms are being exasperated for those diagnosed during the pandemic. It’s important to consider the costs of this at an individual level and societal level, because it’s a reality for millions of Americans and their families. But who are we talking about and who is at risk? Eating disorders affect all age groups (between 5 and 80 years of age), all sexual orientations, all ethnicities and all genders. No one is immune and these diagnoses come at a great cost. When looking at yearly costs in the United States attributed to eating disorder diagnoses, it is estimated that:
- 48.6 billion dollars are lost due to reduced workforce participation.
- 6.7 billion dollars are lost due to informal care (cost of caregiver/family member’s time and money).
- 4.8 billion dollars are lost due to healthcare expenses.
- 4.8 billion dollars are lost related to efficiency losses (opportunity cost to society).
Individual costs and consequences are also vast and can be deadly. Individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or an eating disorder not otherwise specified, have anywhere from a three-to-six increase in mortality. Eating disorders impact all systems and organs in an individual’s body, including the endocrine, gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. Eating disorders can also change or stop menstruation due to hormonal abnormalities and increase bone loss, resulting in fractured or broken bones. The brain requires large amounts of energy and specific macronutrients to function optimally, so without these, it is likely that decreases in concentration, focus, food obsession or preoccupation, seizures, and sleep apnea can result. Without enough energy, electrolyte imbalances and malnourishment can decrease heart rate, blood pressure, cause irregular heartbeats and heart failure. Additionally, intestinal obstruction, perforation and infections, gastroparesis, pancreatitis, and other gastrointestinal concerns can result from eating disorders.
This excerpt isn’t meant to frighten anyone wondering if they currently have an eating disorder or know someone that does. its purpose is to shed light on the real costs associated with these mental and physical illnesses, and to point to organizations on campus that can provide resources related to eating disorders/disordered eating.
- WVU's Collegiate Recovery Program offers a safe space for students currently struggling or recovering from eating disorders through a support group that meets weekly.
- WVU Dining's dietitian offers individual counseling for students with eating disorders or disordered eating.
- WellWVU provides health and wellness education and resources related to mental, physical and social health.
- The Carruth Center offers timely and immediate counseling and related services to students experiencing an eating disorder.
Eating disorders thrive in isolation and secrecy. As a registered dietitian with years of experience counseling students with eating disorders, my first recommendation is to share your story with a trusted loved one or friend and to seek medical help. A great place to start is to contact the above organizations for more information.
References:
- National Eating Disorder Association. (2021). Warning signs and symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/warning-signs-and-symptoms
- Diemer, E. W., Grant, J. D., Munn-Chernoff, M. A., Patterson, D. A., & and Duncan, A. E. (2015). Gender identity, sexual orientation, and eating-related pathology in a national sample of college students. The Journal of Adolescent Health: Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine , 57(2), 144–149. https://doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.03.003
- Termorshuizen, J.D., Watson, H.J., Thornton, L.M., et al. (2020). Early impact of COVID-19 on individuals with self-reported eating disorders: A survey of ~1,000 individuals in the United States and the Netherlands. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53: 1780– 1790. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23353
- Sonneville, K.R., & Lipson, S.K. (2018). Disparities in eating disorder diagnosis and treatment according to weight status, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and sex among college students. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 1-9.