Students undertaking exams are seen as being particularly at risk of developing eating disorders, according to a new campaign launched yesterday by an organisation specialising in the area.
The average age for the onset of anorexia is 14 and for bulimia between 15 and 17. Teenagers now finishing the Junior and Leaving Certificate exams are seen as being particularly vulnerable, according to Bodywhys, the national eating disorders organisation.
People with an eating disorder are often very driven and focused during exam times, but when exams end "it can be a very tough time for a person with an eating disorder as the change in structure and organisation can lead them to feel their lives are out of control", Bodywhys chief executive Jacinta Hastings said.
Eating disorders are regarded as most prevalent in 15 to 40 year-old females and a World Health Organisation (WHO) study found an estimated 7,000 Irish adolescents are living with bulimia or anorexia.
Of those with anorexia, 500 will die of medical complications or suicide.
With appropriate intervention people who suffer from eating disorders can and do recover, it said.
Bodywhys has booked radio adverts as part of its ongoing national eating disorders campaign. It aims to raise awareness of eating disorders and highlight the support services the organisation provides for people affected. The organisation receives more than 400 calls every month from people with eating disorders.
"It is vital that people believe in recovery for themselves and that they get help and support as soon as possible," said Marie Devine, a volunteer with Bodywhys who recovered after living with anorexia for 20 years.
"It is hard but it's absolutely possible," said Ms Devine, speaking at yesterday's campaign launch.
