There seems to be an epidemic of eating disorders hitting our young (and not so young at times).

There is also a worrisome trend of pro-ana sites, actively promoting anorexia as a valid lifestyle.

The risk here is that these sites are teaching young people all the tricks you can imagine, and more.

They teach not only what to eat, and more specifically what not to eat, but also how to hide eating disorders.

The first step to the recovery journey (and by the way it is important to stress that you can recover), is recognizing the problem and accepting it.

It is also perhaps the most difficult step.

Tragedy seems to strike when you least expect it; if you think your child is in danger, read and learn as much as you can about eating disorders.

Be very loving, show you care.

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Eating disorders, which include anorexia, bulimia and binge eating have been steadily and worryingly growing over the last three decades.

There are various statistics available, but they must be looked at with caution as there are certain limitations. Different researches have used different criteria which makes it difficult to integrate the information.

Also a characteristic of an eating disorder is that there is a feeling of shame (in purging for example) as well as secretiveness involved. This means that disclosure is limited.

Another factor is that the eating disorder has to be diagnosed as such, and there are many people suffering from an eating disorder who are not undergoing treatment or are in denial, or even unaware of their condition.

What is known is that eating disorders have been on the increase and include not only adolescent girls, but younger children (both boys and girls). They also include men, and women over twenty (in a few cases over seventy).

Women from the baby boomer generation can also be at risk as they have grown up with strong image consciousness.

Eating disorder problems are present in different cultural situations, in different age groups and in both genders. Typically it has been identified at a higher rate in western society, but the number of cases are also growing in other cultures.

It is estimated that in the US:

• 7 million women suffer from an eating disorder
• 1 million men suffer from an eating disorder
• 1% of female adolescents have anorexia
• Risk of an eating disorder in women is roughly 3 times greater
• One in four preadolescent cases of anorexia occurs in boys
• Binge-eating disorder affects females and males about equally
• About 10% of bulimia and anorexia sufferers are male
• About 20% of people with eating disorders who receive no treatment, die
• This statistic is drastically reduced to 2-3% with treatment.

These figures reflect estimates and not specific statistics for various reasons, but at least two things are worth highlighting:

1. Eating disorders are costing lives.
2. Treatment definitely reduces mortality.

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There seems to be an epidemic of eating disorders hitting our young (and not so young at times) and sometimes it is difficult to notice if you or someone close to you is a victim.
If it’s your child, many times friends (yours or theirs) will have suspicions.

Recently at our local school there was an anorexia awareness project, and because of this five girls began seeking help.

One was an advanced case, mixed with bulimia, and her recovery program will be lengthy. We hope the others will take less time.

It is good to know that their chances for a full recovery are very high, which might easily have not been the case.

If you are suffering from anorexia or bulimia, or if your child or a loved one has this illness, unless and until you recognize and accept this and that it is an illness, it is virtually impossible to take the first step towards recovery.

One further thing here, accept the fact that you and/or your child needs help.

Look ahead and find out all you can – there are many sources of information, on-line, in bookstores or with different treatment centers.

One further thing here, accept the fact that you and/or your child needs help.

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