2008 Woodie Awards
Young adults more likely to battle eating disorders
Kaci Hanson, Wartburg Trumpet (Wartburg College)
Issue date: 3/15/07 Section: News
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Mandy Kakac saw all these signs, which sparked concern that her friend was in trouble. It wasn't until college that her friend was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder that affects one in every five women.
Ninety percent of those suffering with an eating disorder are women between the ages of 12 and 25. Kakac's friend began her battle at a young age, joining the estimated 11 percent of high school students diagnosed with an eating disorder.
Sophomores Cory Miner and Stacy Berns believe eating disorders are most common in college freshmen.
"I think first year students suffer from (eating disorders) the most," Berns said. "I think it's most common in girls, too, because girls care more about their appearance."
"They're scared of the 'Freshman 15,'" Miner said. He adds that society has influences on self-image. "Overweight girls are looked down upon more than overweight guys, I think," he said.
According to a recent study, over half of females between the ages of 18-25 would prefer to be run over by a truck than be fat, and two-thirds surveyed would rather be mean or stupid.
Stephanie Newsom, director of counseling services at Wartburg College, acknowledges that statistics are apt to be inaccurate.
"It's hard because there are so many more on campus than we know about," she said. "It's such a private disorder, surrounded by lies and secrets."
Newsom estimates that there are about 20 cases per year, with only about one male case per year.
"The male is usually an athlete, like a distance runner or wrestler, where cutting weight is part of the sport."
A study conducted by Cornell University found that 40 percent of male football players surveyed engaged in some sort of disordered eating behavior.
An increasing number of homosexual males are suffering from eating disorders for reasons such as body image, self-esteem and coping mechanisms.
Kakac and Newsom agree with Miner and Berns that women outnumber men with eating disorders.
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