Useful Resources
Eating Disorders: Cause Unknown
December 15, 2008
As many as 10 million women and 1 million men suffer from eating disorders including anorexia nervosa (in which victims eat too little and become painfully thin) and bulimia (binge eating followed by purging via self-induced vomiting or laxatives), according to studies cited by the nonprofit National Eating Disorders Association. The studies are the most recent estimates as of February 2010. Millions more suffer from binge eating disorder. An emerging problem is diabulimia, in which diabetics skip or alter their insulin doses for weight control, though it is not officially recognized as a medical condition. About 30 to 40 percent of teenage diabetic girls manipulate insulin doses to stay thinner, according to the American Diabetes Association. Eating disorders often develop during the teen years, but can start as early as kindergarten or well into adulthood. They often are accompanied by anxiety disorders, a distorted body-image, substance abuse, and depression. Psychological therapy is considered an important element in treatment, but a number of clinical trials are under way to test the efficacy of drug treatment, assess brain and other physiological responses to food, and assess whether hormonal and other abnormalities (such as abnormally low dopamine) might contribute to the condition or help cure it. Updated February 2010
Resource Links
Blogs
Many bulimics and binge eaters blog here while contemplating or after undergoing bariatric surgery. This site is supported by advertising from surgeons and hospitals offering weight-control surgery.
Many bulimics and binge eaters blog here while contemplating or after undergoing bariatric surgery. This site is supported by advertising from surgeons and hospitals offering weight-control surgery.
Guidance for Consumers
Directory of treatment programs specializing in eating disorders
A 12-step recovery program for binge eaters
A pro-recovery website sponsored by the Center Foundation, providing eating disorder links, summaries and support
A pro-recovery website offering educational information and support
Advocacy
Advocates the recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority at the federal level
Website of a national nonprofit that provides education and advocacy
Public Policy
Promotes the "Eating Disorders Awareness, Education and Prevention Act" and "The Senator Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act," and others
Statistics, Trends and Research
Conducts clinical trials focusing on treatment
List of clinical trials of treatments for eating disorders
Another set of eating disorder statistics and key facts
Offers a concise set of key statistics on eating disorders in men and boys
General statistics on eating disorders
Understanding Eating Disorders
A comprehensive set of links on a variety of topics related to eating disorders
Diagnostic criteria according to the World Health Organization
An American Psychiatric Association overview of eating disorders. See also link to related fact brochure on the page.
Facts about eating disorders from the Mayo Clinic
Concise explanations of key facts about eating disorders from a nonprofit organization founded in 1979.