According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, over 30 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder. This does not include the countless Americans who avoid treatment because they are unaware of their eating disorder. Binge eating, anorexia, bulimia and other conditions impact the lives of Michigan residents every single day. Thankfully, there are treatment options available to conquer eating disorders and their symptoms.
Let’s take a look at the prevalence of eating disorders in Michigan and how eating disorder treatment can help you or someone you know.
Eating Disorder Statistics
It is hard to quantify the extent of eating disorders in Michigan and the U.S. as a whole because don’t always realize that they have an eating disorder. For example, someone may come to our Ann Arbor counseling center for depression counseling. After several sessions, the counselor may notice signs of anorexia as part of the patient’s depression symptoms. The person would have no idea that he had an eating disorder because he thought it was depression – nothing more.
Current statistics indicate that 20 million women and 10 million men in America have an eating disorder, but those numbers may be skewed. Most studies are targeted towards women, even though men are more likely to receive certain types of eating disorder treatment. Regardless of the statistics, it is clear the effects of eating disorders are widespread, reaching every gender, age group, race, social standing, and more.
Types Of Eating Disorders
The most common types of eating disorders in Michigan include:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia (and a secondary condition known as diabulimia)
- Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
- Chronic Dieting
- Body Dysmorphia
Eating disorders may also impact a person’s fitness routine. Someone with exercise addiction may receive eating disorder treatment, as well as self-esteem counseling and other therapy options.
Will Eating Disorder Treatment Help?
Eating disorder treatment varies from person to person, but it typically includes professional counseling and dietary advice from a nutritionist. The nutritionist helps the person achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle, while the counseling focuses on the root causes of the eating disorder. What sparked the eating disorder in the first place? Did the eating disorder lead to depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, etc.? These questions and more will be answered in the treatment program.
To learn more about eating disorder treatment or to schedule an appointment with an eating disorder counseling, contact Heron Ridge Associates in southeast Michigan.
