Eating Disorders

“20% of people suffering from anorexia will die from complications related to their eating disorder, including suicide. It is estimated that 2 %- 5% of anorectics will commit suicide.” (1)


“The average woman is 5”4’ and weighs 140 pounds. The average model is 5”11’ and weighs 117 pounds. Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women.” (2)
Time Magazine reports that, “80% of all children have been on a diet by the time that they have reached the fourth grade.”

“81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat. 51% of 9 and 10 year old girls feel better about themselves if they are on a diet.” (3)

“According to a recent study, over 1/2 the females between the ages of 18-25 would prefer to be run over by a truck then be fat, and 2/3 surveyed would rather be mean or stupid.” (4)


“51% of 9 & 10 year-old girls feel better about themselves if they are on a diet.” (5)

“42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner.” (6)

“46% of 9-11 year-olds are "sometimes" or "very often" on diets, and 82% of their families are "sometimes" or "very often" on diets.” (7)


Resources

(1) The Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders, "Eating Disorders 101 Guide: A Summary of Issues, Statistics and Resources," published September 2002, revised October 2003, http://www.renfrew.org/.

(2) Smolak L. (1996). National Eating Disorders Association/Next Door Neighbors puppet guide book.

(3) Mellin LM, Irwin CE & Scully S: Disordered eating characteristics in girls: A survey of middle class children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 1992; 92:851-53.

(4) Gaesser, G. (1996), Big Fat Lies: The Truth About Your Weight and Your Health. New York: Fawcett Columbine.

(5) Mellin LM, Irwin CE & Scully S: Disordered eating characteristics in girls: A survey of middle class children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 1992; 92:851-53.

(6) Collins M.E. (1991) Body figure and preferences among pre-adolescent children. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 199-208.

(7) Gustafson-Larson, A., & Terry, R.D. (1992). Weight-related behaviors and concerns of fourth-grade children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 92, 818-822.