Rebecca's Eating Disorder Foundation

Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental illnesses that can affect people of every age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic group. No one knows exactly what causes eating disorders, but a growing consensus suggests that a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors come together to spark an eating disorder. Once the disorder has taken hold, it can become a self-sustaining process that usually requires professional help and support to recover.

Many eating disorders begin during adolescence, but psychologists and doctors have found an increasing number of young children and older adults diagnosed with these illnesses. The more quickly an eating disorder is diagnosed and effective treatment begun, the greater the chances of recovery.

It’s not uncommon for the symptoms of an eating disorder to change over time. Around half of people originally diagnosed with the restricting type of anorexia later developed bulimic symptoms, according to a study from Harvard University. Someone who primarily binge eats can transition to mostly restricting their intake later. As well, a person can recover from one eating disorder but relapse later with a different disorder.

Especially if under- or inadequately treated, eating disorders can be deadly: heart failure and suicide are two of the most common causes of death in people with eating disorders. Despite this, most people with eating disorders eventually recover. When Harvard psychologists followed a group of people initially diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia for 20 years, they found that two-thirds ultimately fully recovered. Recovery can take a long time and lots of hard work, but it is possible.

ED Coaches are here for people that are struggling and need support. Our social media pages are available to send private messages to a coach.