Latest figures show that an estimated 1.25 million people in the UK could be suffering from an eating disorder. These figures may not reflect the enormity of the situation.

Although many eating disorders develop during adolescence, there are reports of children as young as 6 years old and those of older generations in their seventies experiencing the condition. Unfortunately, for those outside of the stereotypical age bracket, being diagnosed with an eating disorder and treated appropriately is less likely.

It is largely accepted that eating disorders are predominantly experienced by females. However, the perceptions of a female condition may not reflect the reality of the situation. Recent reports by BEAT estimate that 11.6% of those with an eating disorder are male. Kjelsas, et al (2004, p. 20) claimed that there is a “reservoir of undiagnosed men” with the condition that remain untreated. Unfortunately, it would appear that the number of males experiencing eating disorders is possibly higher than initially thought.  Again, being in an unconventional bracket, males are less likely to be correctly diagnosed and treated for the condition.

Treasure, Schmidt and Furth (2003) conceptualize the points raised here: eating disorders can affect people of every race, age, gender, sex, socioeconomic group, and ethnicity.

To realize the full magnitude of the problem of eating disorders, we need to consider the wider picture which includes those that aren’t stereotypically considered to suffer from the condition.

References

Beat. (2015). Beat eating disorders. Retrieved from https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Kjelsas, E., Bjornstrom, C., & Gotestam, G. (2004). Prevalence of eating disorders in female and male adolescents (14–15years). Eating Behavior, 5, 13–25.

Treasure, J., Schmidt, U., & Furth, E.V. (2003). Handbook of eating disorders. (2nd ed.). West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley.