Back in the 80s and 90s eating disorders had risen to epidemic proportions among teen-age girls. In fact, most used the mirror as a tool for taking stock of their worth conducting a critical search for flaws, fat, and proof of their failure to live up to the standards they had set for themselves. Their hunger for perfection and acceptance was insatiable, giving rise to body shame, self-loathing, anxiety, and life-threatening bouts of anorexia and bulimia.
Early History
Anorexia Nervosa
The term anorexia, originating from the Greek term meaning “without appetite”, had been used for over 140 years. Initially, the title “anorexia hysteria” was used in publications about this type of eating disorder. That changed during a medical presentation in 1874 when the condition was called “anorexia nervosa," classifying it as separate from medical hysteria.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa wasn’t named as an eating disorder until 1979 when British psychiatrist Gerald Russell coined the term. Russell referred to bulimia nervosa as “powerful and intractable urges to overeat” in combination with “a morbid fear of becoming fat” and the “avoidance of the fattening effects of food” by using compensatory mechanisms, such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, or prolonged periods of starvation.
Modern History
1980 - The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) added an eating disorders section including anorexia.
1983 - Karen Carpenter died of heart failure — likely linked to anorexia — increasing awareness of eating disorders in the public eye.
1987 - The DSM-III-R listed bulimia as a separate eating disorder for the first time.
21st Century - Although no longer capturing headlines, eating disorders are now on the rise. Approximately 24 million people in the United States suffer from an eating disorder, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Moreover, eating disorders are among the deadliest mental illnesses, second only to opioid addiction, resulting in approximately 10,200 deaths each year.
Disease Profile Shift
Published April 2019 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN), “Prevalence of Eating Disorders over the 2000–2018 Period: A Systematic Literature Review” has reported a rise in eating disorders worldwide. According to the report, the prevalence of eating disorders “increased over the study period from 3.5% for the 2000–2006 period to 7.8% for the 2013–2018 period.” The study points out that although “eating disorders are traditionally considered to affect mainly women,” men represent a growing proportion of individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. In addition, the authors pointed out that “although eating disorders were classically thought to be confined to developed Western countries, this study also highlights the high prevalence of eating disorders in Asia and developing Middle Eastern countries.”
What Now?
Since the publication of this AJCN article, it appears that the prevalence and severity of eating disorders may be spiking even more due to the anxiety and stress unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Eating disorders thrive in isolation,” according to Claire Mysko, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). “While family and friends can provide some comfort and support for individuals trying to manage their eating disorders, it may not be enough for many during these particularly stressful times.”
In response, NEDA has established a set of online resources and forums to help individuals with eating disorders “explore recovery pathways with virtual support.” Among the resources is a helpline that individuals can call for support, resources, and treatment options for themselves or for someone they are concerned about. tel:866-739-0533.
