Facts and Figures on Eating Disorders and Treatment

* Approximately five percent to seven percent of American undergraduates have anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder.

* The average median recovery time from an eating disorder is seven years.

* The estimated cost of treating an eating disorder is $150,000.

—American Anorexia and Bulimia Association

* 45 percent of the nation's 490 largest universities said eating disorders have increased over the past five years.

* Of universities who could estimate the number of students affected with eating disorders, 41 percent said eating disorders affected at least one in 10 students, and 18 percent said eating disorders affected at least one in five students.

* 35 percent of universities say denial is the biggest hurdle in treating eating disorders.

* 24 percent of universities say unwillingness to seek treatment is the biggest hurdle in treating eating disorders.

* 20 percent of universities say the pressure to stay thin is the biggest hurdle in treating eating disorders.

—People, [4/12/99]

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