Who is at risk of developing an eating disorder?
Anybody can develop an eating disorder, although there are some groups of people who have a higher risk.
Females
About 90% of people with eating disorders are females. However they are becoming more common in males.
Teenagers
Anorexia and Bulimia commonly begin in the teens, although cases have been recorded in children as young as six years old. Anorexia often begins in teen's aged 13-18 while bulimia often starts later, in the late teens or early twenties.
Particular Families
While once eating disorders were mainly only seen in middle to upper class families who were extremely close and over protective this is not so much the case anymore and eating disorders are seen in all socio-economic groups and all types of families. However, there is an increased risk if a parent or sibling has had an eating disorder, mood disorder or alcohol or drug problem.
Particular Countries or Ethnic groups
Eating disorders are more common in industrialised societies where there is an abundance of food and where there is a cultural ideal for women to be thin. While this used to be mainly white societies, eating disorders are now occurring in almost every culture and ethnic group.
Growing up in a society that places a high value on women being thin
Societies that believe women should be thin often give out very conflicting and confusing messages to young women about their size, food, diets, health and the roles they should have. These conflicting messages can contribute to the development of an eating disorder.
Particular Groups of Individuals
Eating disorders are more common in adolescent females and young women, women at university, individuals in sports or professions where there is a high value on being thin (eg. Ballet, gymnastics, running, modelling)
Individual Characteristics
Eating Disorders do tend to be more common (although not exclusive) in people who:
- Are perfectionists - both physically and academically
- Have low self-esteem
- Have high body dissatisfaction - don't like the way they look
- Have difficulty naming their emotions
- Have periods of depression
Sexual Abuse
Being sexually abused as a child is often a contributing factor to the development of eating disorders
Dieting Behaviour
While not every dieter will develop an eating disorder, nearly every eating disorder begins with some kind of attempt at weight loss.
Bibliography
American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Ed.) United States of America: American Psychiatric Association.
Bulik, C, (1994). Eating Disorders: Detection & Treatment. New Zealand. Dunmore Press Limited.
Leon, G.R., Fulkerson, JA., Perry, CL, Cudeck, R. (1993). Personality and Behavioural Vulnerabilities Associated with Risk Status for Eating Disorders in Adolescent girls. Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 102.(3) 438-444.