Taylor Swift's Struggle With an Eating Disorder: 6 Eating Disorder Facts Everyone Should Know by Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP

Taylor Swift discloses her eating disorder struggles in the documentary, Miss Americana, that will likely resonate with girls and women around the world. The documentary was released on January 31, 2020, just in time for National Eating Disorder Awareness Month, and her message is important to help raise awareness for a disease many suffer from in silence. 

Currently, 20 percent of women practice unhealthy patterns of dieting, purging and binge eating, and one in 20 suffers from an eating disorder. Here are six things you should know about eating disorders:

• It’s a mental illness – not a choice, fad or phase.

• There’s a continuum. Even people who do not meet formal criteria can exhibit behaviors that are physically and emotionally damaging.

• They are more common in women, but a problem for men, too.
  

• They most often affect adolescents and young adults.

• They can be deadly. The risk of death from anorexia nervosa is three times greater than depression.

• They are treatable, and the earlier the intervention, the better the recovery. 

Taylor Swift’s struggles are not unique. If you suspect someone is suffering from an eating disorder, contact an expert to get help.

Photo (main): Miss Americana, Netflix

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

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