DClinPsy Portfolio Volume 1 of 3 - University of Hertfordshire ...

Patton et al (1999) found that ‘severe’ dieters were 18 times more likely to develop an
eating disorder than those who did not diet and that those who dieted at a level they
defined as ‘moderate’ were five times more likely to develop an eating disorder. Kotler,
Cohen, Davies, Pine and Walsh (2001) supported the finding that those with disordered
eating or sub-clinical levels of eating disorders in adolescents were more likely to
develop an eating disorder. They found that early adolescent bulimic symptoms were
associated with a nine-fold increase in risk for late adolescent bulimia and a 20-fold
increase in risk for adult bulimia. Moreover, late adolescent bulimia was associated with
a 35-fold increase in risk for adult bulimia.
The eating disorders have many consequences such as in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) kidney
damage, cardiovascular problems, and osteoporosis can result. In severe cases, death can
result from multiple organ failure or electrolyte imbalances. The aggregate mortality rate
for AN has been estimated at .56% per year, which is 12 times greater than the annual
death rate due to all causes of death for 15 to 24 year-old females in the general
population (Sullivan, 1995). This figure needs to be interpreted keeping in mind
limitations of epidemiological studies in particular sample sizes and diagnostic
classifications. As well as physical complications AN and BN are associated with a
variety of mental health problems.
As well as clinical importance, the effects of eating disorders and obesity have huge
health policy implications as highlighted in the media. If the current obesity growth rates
continue, it is estimated that 60 percent of men, 50 percent of women and 25 percent of
children in the U.K will be obese by 2050 and associated chronic health problems are
projected to cost society an additional 45.5 billion pounds per year (Reuters, 2007).
The accumulating literature therefore suggests that understanding disordered eating and
the psychological mechanisms involved is important in the prevention of eating disorders
and obesity and their associated consequences.
130