The Utah Women & Leadership Project released Thursday papers that examined eating disorders in Utah women.
Maya Miyairi was part of the research team along with Sara Boghosian, Sadie Wilde and Sadie Wilde.
The research team defines eating disorders as “behavioral disorders that result in severe and persistent eating disturbances and distressing thoughts or emotions.”
They frequently co-occur with other mental health disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders and substance abuse problems, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the research states.
The research team, which included three members, found that LGBTQ+ people were also more at risk. They also noted that eating disorders are “recognized as the most serious mental illness in the US.”
A U.S. Study found that 1 person per 51.5 minutes dies from eating disorders between 2018-2018. According to the study, 28.5 million Americans will have an eating disorder by the time they reach their twenties. The incidence of eating disorders in women is twice that of men.
UWLP sought to find out what could be causing Utah’s public health crisis.
The various types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa (referred to as anorexia), bulimia nervosa (bulimia), binge-eating disorder or BED, avoidant restrictive food intake disorders or ARFID, other specified feeding or eating disorders, abbreviated OSFED, pica and rumination-regurgitation disorders.
Other eating disorders, such as orthorexia or compulsive exercising, were also recognized.
UWLP’s research showed that although anorexia was more common in recent years (except for among men), it was less prevalent than BED and bulimia.
OSFED accounted for 69.2%, which was higher than bulimia (26.3%) or anorexia (26.2%).
It was discovered that weight played a role when eating disorders are developed.
The research snapshot says that obesity and overweight individuals are at greater risk of disordered eating habits.
Although the statewide data on Utahns with eating disorders are limited, it says that several publications have provided some insight into ED trends.
UWLP research pointed to a 2018 report from Utah’s mental healthcare authorities that showed 0.2% of Utah clients had eating disorders.
Another study that used data from Utah Population Database for the years 1995 to 2015 found nearly 91% of the 4,606 individuals with known eating disorders between the ages of 12-55 and almost 91% among the females.
According to UWLP, Utah Department of Health and Human Services has found that 4.0% of female and 1.4% of the male students fell within the definition of being underweight and showing disordered eating patterns.
The research team concluded, “These criteria were linked with higher rates depression, suicidal thoughts, bullying, or violence.” According to the American College Health Association’s 2019 National College Health Assessment, Utah State University found that more female students were treated for anorexia and bulimia by mental health professionals than male students. The report from USU also found that more female students (5.8%) were diagnosed with EDs than male (0.6%) or trans/gender-nonconforming (4.5%) students. Only 44.8% were able or willing to seek treatment from a mental or healthcare professional for an ED in a female student diagnosed with an ED.
The UWLP said that while each woman is at risk for different eating disorders, triggers can be varied. Risk factors include external factors like military service or participation in sport.
The snapshot reports: “Media and Social Media Exposure, Participation in Certain Activities, Experiences Life Events such as Marriage and Childbearing, Trauma can Impact the Development and Trajectory of EDs.”
EDs often come with mental health issues, which can lead to increased suicidality. Data from the pandemic showed an increase in ED-related care and a decrease in care. It will be crucial to monitor ED prevalence trends and access to health care.
Untreated mental illness (including eating disorders) can lead to permanent harm to one’s health.
Research concluded that Utah needs to increase ED prevention and treatments and implement effective prevention programs in schools. “Coordinated efforts are required to track state prevalence. These steps will make it easier for girls and women to improve their mental and physical well-being in Utah. This will allow them to have a greater impact on their families, communities, as well as in Utah.