Incidence, Prevalence, and Risk of Eating Disorder Behaviors in Military Academy Cadets

Abstract

Eating disorders are a particular problem for college students, as well as college athletes and military personnel. We examined the incidence, prevalence, and risk of eating disorders at the United States Military Academy (USMA) over a 7-year period (total population 12,731 cadets). The incidence per year for females was 0.02% for anorexia, 0.17% for bulimia, and 0.17% for eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) and for males was 0.0% for anorexia, 0.003% for bulimia, and 0.02% for eating disorders not otherwise specified. The total prevalence of diagnosed eating disorders for females was 5% and for males was 0.1%. For females over the 7-year period, we found a prevalence of 0.2% for anorexia, 1.2% for bulimia, 1.2% for eating disorders not otherwise specified, and for males we found a prevalence of 0.0% for anorexia, 0.02% for bulimia, and 0.03% for eating disorders not otherwise specified. Nineteen percent of females and 2% of males scored a 20 or higher on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)-26 survey indicating they were at risk for developing an eating disorder. We conclude that the prevalence of eating disorders at USMA is comparable to civilian colleges.

Eating disorders in military and veteran men and women: A systematic review

“…The findings from this systematic review suggest that rates of EDs in military and veteran populations likely are comparable to EDs in the general population, and are potentially rising in military service members . The increasing percentage of women in the military, with approximately 14% of current active duty personnel being female, may be one factor contributing to rising rates of EDs in this population.…”

“…Studies that diagnosed EDs with the use of clinical interviews in military samples reported prevalence estimates that are comparable to or higher than the general population, with approximately 5% to 8% of women and .1% of men being diagnosed with an ED. 11,27,28 Specifically, over a 7-year period, the prevalences of AN, BN, EDNOS, and subthreshold disordered eating in military cadets were .2%, 1.2%, 1.2%, and 2.7%, respectively, for women and .0%, .02%, .03%, and .06% for men. 11 In a sample of active duty female personnel, rates were .2% for AN, .7% for BN, 2.6% for EDNOS, 1.2% for BED, and 3.1% for "situational ED" (i.e., abnormal eating behaviors consistent with EDNOS practiced intermittently, typically in anticipation of weigh-ins or fitness testing, that are associated with significant distress or were judged as abnormal or dangerous).…”

“…11,27,28 Specifically, over a 7-year period, the prevalences of AN, BN, EDNOS, and subthreshold disordered eating in military cadets were .2%, 1.2%, 1.2%, and 2.7%, respectively, for women and .0%, .02%, .03%, and .06% for men. 11 In a sample of active duty female personnel, rates were .2% for AN, .7% for BN, 2.6% for EDNOS, 1.2% for BED, and 3.1% for "situational ED" (i.e., abnormal eating behaviors consistent with EDNOS practiced intermittently, typically in anticipation of weigh-ins or fitness testing, that are associated with significant distress or were judged as abnormal or dangerous). 28 However, lower rates of AN, BN, and EDNOS (.25%, .79%, and .72% among women and .01%, .02%, and .03% among men) have been reported based on investigations of hospitalization and outpatient healthcare diagnoses 12 and may be underestimates of the true prevalence of EDs.…”

Eating Behavior, Mental Health And Degree Of Physical Activity In Medical Students

“…However, the literature data on the prevalence of anorexia and bulimia among students is contradictory. On the one hand, high prevalence was reported in some studies (Babar at al., 2002, Rizvi et al, 2010, Zakhem at al., 2015 and, on the other hand, there were researchers indicating a low prevalence such as in the study by Beekley at al. (2009).…”

Female Athlete Triad

“…In athletes with a normal BMI, it is more difficult to assess energy availability. 12,19,21,25,26 Thus, the actual prevalence is unknown. Even with the most accurate history, determining availability of energy is not completely precise.…”