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Eating Disorders and the Military & First Responder

February 27, 2024 | By: Kait M.


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It is National Eating Disorder Awareness and Screening Week. Here at Branch of Hope we want to help spread awareness and education about eating disorders and more specifically how they can affect our military and first responders.

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From a general standpoint, when we think of eating disorders, we often attribute them to young women.

But anyone can suffer from an eating disorder. People of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and body types can be affected. Did you know that military members and first responders are also at an increased risk for eating disorders and disordered eating? Eating disorders are growing at a substantial rate within the rank of our military, as well as prevalent among other high-

stress jobs like firefighting.


Definitions and Evidence

According to the American Psychiatric Association (2023), “eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors” and is also associated with distressing thoughts and emotions. Eating disorders are a biopsychosocial disorder meaning that they are a mental illness caused or influenced by genetic, biological, environmental, and social factors. There are several different types of eating disorders including

Soldiers gathered
  • anorexia nervosa,

  • bulimia nervosa,

  • binge eating disorder (BED),

  • avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID),

  • other specified feeding and eating disorder OUED),

  • pica and

  • rumination disorder


The Defense Health Agency, Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division conducted a 5-year surveillance study of 2,454 active component military members between 2017 and 2021 who all received a diagnosis of either anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, BED, or OUED. The study found that eating disorder rates were highest for service members younger than 29 years of age. High eating disorder rates were also found in non-Hispanic White service members, Marines, junior enlisted, and combat-specific jobs. During the surveillance period the annual incidence rates of total eating disorders increased by 79%, with OUED effecting the majority of these military personnel.  


There are many studies out there that outline the relationship of trauma and PTSD to an increased risk of developing an eating disorder. It is believed that because first responders have high-stress jobs and experience traumatic events, they are at an increased risk of eating disorders. Unfortunately, very little research has been done on this specific population so statistics are not available.


What puts Military Members and First Responders at risk?

Several factors can put our military members and first responders at risk for developing an eating disorder. The biopsychosocial factors that can put anyone at risk of an eating disorder include:

  • Biological factors

    • A family history of eating disorders or mental health conditions

    • Dieting history

    • Genetic predisposition

  • Psychological factors

    • Perfectionism

    • Dissatisfaction with ones body image

    • A personal history of mental health conditions

  • Social Factors

    • Weight stigma

    • Being bullied or teased

    • Cultural norms that prioritize appearance

    • Wanting an "ideal" body type

Fireman and gear

When looking at risks for military and first responders specifically, several factors branch off from the biopsychosocial elements above. For instance, the availability of food or strict mealtime schedules these populations experience. Eating disorders are often co-morbid with PTSD and depression especially among the military and veteran populations, and health psychologist, Dr. Davies, suggests the same experience among Firefighters. Another factor may include the fact that these professions require members to maintain strict physical fitness and weight standards. There is often a culture of having to “make weight” or have a muscular looking physique among these populations.


Military members and first responders have to be fit (mind and body) to do their job. These findings bring to light how much more attention this population needs for the prevention and treatment of mental health conditions like eating disorders. If you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder, reach out for support. Seeking help is STRENGTH.


Eating Disorder Resources

The National Eating Disorders Association: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/


National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline: 1 (866) 662-1235 (Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm ET)


The ANAD Eating Disorder Helpline:  1-888-375-7767 (Monday-Friday, 9AM to 9PM CT)

 


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Disclaimer

This blog and website represents the opinions of Sarah Haberbosch, LCSW-C and her guests to the blog and website. Views and opinions expressed in the blog and website are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

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