It’s estimated that 9% of the U.S. population, or 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. More than half are women.
Dr. Anjan Marella of Samaritan Hospital’s Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic discussed the impact eating disorders can have on both young and older women.
From the interview:
“As we’re going through changes between our 30’s, our 50’s, our 60’s, our body is transitioning and we often forget to ask for help ourselves and forget to see that we’re struggling with these symptoms too,” said Dr. Marella.
MOST COMMON EATING DISORDERS:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
- Binge Eating Disorder
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder (OSFED)
Dr. Marella says early identification is key. To find out more about what you can do to help a loved one, listen to Dr. Marella’s interview here.
If you or someone you know has an eating disorder and is in need of help, contact Samaritan Hospital’s Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic at 518-833-6470 or call the National Alliance for Eating Disorders’ helpline Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET at 866-662-1235 or the ANAD helpline Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, at 888-375-7767.
