Many Americans Sent To Hospitals Due To Eating Disorders

A latest research has shown that many Americans both men and women were treated at the hospital for eating disorders.

In the data released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, it was learned that eating disorders rose by 18 percent between 1999 and 2006.

The government agency added that according to the study it was discovered that the women Americans dominate the number of those people suffering from eating disorders at 89 percent as of 2006.

Based on the study it was also discovered that anorexia nervosa is the most common type of eating disorders that inflicted many Americans up to this day.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by extreme low body weight and body image distortion with an obsessive fear of gaining weight.

The condition largely affects adolescent females, who make up more than 40 percent of all cases. As much as 3 percent of American girls and women are anorexic.

Contributing causes may include genetics, personality type, hormones, stress and societal pressures.

Anorexia carries the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric condition. Previous research by Dr. Halmi found that 7 percent of affected women died within 10 years. In a Swedish, study that followed patients for 30 years, 18 percent to 20 percent of the women died. Even when anorexia is not fatal, it can cause long-term complications, including damage to the heart and bones.

This latest medical finding should serve as eye opener and motivation for Americans to engage in healthy lifestyle to avoid chances of being inflicted with eating disorders.