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Loving Yourself, The Greatest Love of All

By: Colleen Degener, M.A.
Guest contributor, Campus Calm

Since the 1960's, the incidence of eating disorders has more than doubled. It has been reported that children as young as 7 to women in their late seventies are affected around the world. It has been estimated that 90 percent of those with eating disorders are women 12-25 years of age. The ratio is 10 females : 1 male (10 million : 1 million) as the risk is up to 3 times higher in women than men. Also, 1/100 females 10-20 years of age are believed to be anorexic, while 4/100 females in college are bulimic. This is in large part due to the fact that 50 percent of those who have been anorexic develop bulimia or bulimic patterns due to binges caused by fasting.

Eating Disorders have been named the "female disorder" for a long time; however this is changing. The current percentage of males with Anorexia or Bulimia is 10 percent, but is thought to be growing. It is believed that many young men never get the help they need because they are ashamed to admit they are struggling. Alarmingly, 35 percent of normal dieters develop pathological, extreme dieting, which can be a precursor to an eating disorder. Most importantly, without treatment, eating disorders have a 20-25 percent mortality rate, the highest of any mental illness. (ANRED Statistics, 2005)

The representation of this disorder between young men and women have seemingly been separated, but are beginning to blend. Many of the same reasons that women develop poor body image are being seen in young males today, including low self esteem, depression, feelings of inadequacy or lack of control (eating disorders are a control issue), parental or peer pressure to look a certain way, culture and societal pressure, troubled relationships, abuse and puberty. Although it seems to be that young men have an opposite reaction to body image in that they often wish to be bigger, ie- a greater muscle mass. So as our young women are trying to slim down to the 'delicate female ideal' our young men are trying to fit into the 'buff, muscular build' they see on TV.

So, what is the key to prevention?

Knowledge. Get your facts straight about the myths/truths about weight and nutrition. High schools and colleges have begun to assist in the awareness of these problems, participating in Eating Disorder Awareness week and incorporating material into health programs which have helped to decrease the stigma around these 'controversial' issues.

Are they doing enough? Enough is never enough. With any other mental illness, there are too many environmental and personal characteristics to account for that influence the establishment of this disorder.

What if you know you need help? The first step to getting help is accepting help. Since eating disorders are in large part a control issue, it is hard for the person suffering to give up the control they believe they have had over their life and accept that they need support to get better. Seek out family, friends and qualified health professionals whom you trust and know will be there to support you in your recovery.

Why diets don't work:

• They make you gain weight! - Eating less causes metabolism to slow and store.

• They make you sick! - Cycling puts your body under stress.

• They make you stupid! - Preoccupation with food becomes distracting.

• It is detrimental to youth development! - You need energy for growth and brain power.

• Diet pills are more dangerous than beneficial! - Cause many uncomfortable side effects and possible death.

Break-the-Fast! The importance of breakfast:

• We fast 6-8 hours a night while sleeping and must 'refuel' our bodies upon waking.

• Children who skip breakfast are more likely to be irritable and hyperactive; exhibit poor concentration, low self-esteem, low social interaction and poor school performance.

• High sugar = blood sugar levels to rise and crash.

• Try to eat within an hour of waking.

Love yourself, love your body.

For more information on Eating Disorders, please contact the Eating Disorders Association of Western New York at 716-819-1338. Or visit www.edreferral.com for treatment facilities in your area.

About the author:
Maria Pascucci is the President of Campus Calm – the award-winning online-community for today’s stressed-out students, and their parents and educators: www.CampusCalm.com and The International Campus Calm University Association www.CampusCalmU.com. Download your FREE Student Life Stress-Out Less Kit at www.CampusCalm.com.

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