It is a hard truth to know that eating disorders do not affect just one particular group of people –– anyone, regardless of their background, gender or social status can struggle with an eating disorder. One such group that often gets overlooked, but is no less subject to struggling, are military youth and veterans.
With pressures to fit certain physical standards, the overall high emotions of being in a military environment and the struggling of losing one’s identity after service, it is no surprise that eating disorders find their way into this sometimes vulnerable group of men and women.
How common are eating disorders among military youth and veterans?
Eating disorders are a significant and often under-discussed issue among young people in the military. While the prevalence of these conditions in the military is not as widely documented as in the general population, emerging research and anecdotal evidence suggest that eating disorders are indeed a common concern. The risk is increased by the unique environmental stressors and cultural pressures present in military life, which can worsen or even initiate disordered eating behaviors.
The military places strong emphasis on physical fitness and weight standards which can inadvertently promote unhealthy relationships with food and body image. Young service members are often required to meet strict weight and fitness criteria, which can lead to unhealthy weight control practices like excessive exercise, severe dietary restriction or purging. This pressure is particularly acute for those undergoing basic training or preparing for deployment, that is, times in their military career when their fitness level is highly scrutinized.
Military culture often emphasizes resilience and self-reliance, potentially discouraging young service members from seeking help for mental health issues, including eating disorders. This mentality can lead to underreporting and undertreatment, contributing to a lack of comprehensive data on the prevalence of these disorders within the military.
However, surveys and studies conducted in recent years indicate that eating disorders among military personnel are indeed a significant concern. For instance, research published by the Department of Defense and various military health organizations has begun to shed light on the prevalence of conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder among service members, suggesting rates may be comparable to those in the civilian population.
Additionally, the demographics of the military further underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing this issue. The transition from civilian to military life is a significant adjustment period that can provoke stress and disrupt established eating habits, potentially contributing to the onset or recurrence of eating disorders.
What causes an eating disorder among the military population?
Men and women in the military may face greater risks of developing an eating disorder, including some of the following.
Physical standards
The military enforces strict weight and fitness standards for their service members. This focus on physical condition is important for operational readiness, but can lead to unhealthy behaviors to maintain appearance, including excessive dieting, extreme exercise or substance use.
Stress and unhealthy coping
Military life can be highly stressful because of situations like deployment, frequently relocating and the obvious risks associated with military duties. For some, eating disorders might develop as a maladaptive coping mechanism to manage stress and anxiety, or as a way to feel a sense of control over their environment.
Cultural influences
The culture of the military often emphasizes characteristics like resilience, toughness and self-reliance. These values can discourage individuals from seeking help for mental health issues, including eating disorders, leading to untreated conditions.
Transition
The transition from civilian life to the structured environment of the military can be overwhelming. This period of adjustment might contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors, especially if individuals struggle to adapt to new routines and expectations. Additionally, leaving behind military life and transitioning into civilian life
can be brutally challenging, which could also lead to unhealthy eating habits.
Co-occurring mental health conditions
Underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or PTSD, all of which are prevalent in the military, can co-occur with eating disorders. These conditions may worsen disordered eating behaviors and add additional challenges to recovery efforts.
Peer influence
Within the military environment, behaviors such as competitive fitness goals and dieting can be normalized and even rewarded, inadvertently encouraging disordered behaviors among peers striving to fit in or excel.
The importance of seeking help
While it might be uncomfortable to take the initial leap, it is crucial for veterans and military youth to receive treatment for eating disorders because these conditions can impact physical health, mental well-being and overall quality of life. Untreated eating disorders can lead to severe health complications, including malnutrition, cardiovascular issues and weakened immune systems, all conditions that can be harmful to a long military career.
Additionally, the psychological toll of eating disorders can further hurt any existing mental health conditions. Effective treatment provides these individuals with the tools and support necessary to develop healthier relationships with food and body image, which in turn can lead to improved mental health outcomes, greater life satisfaction and a healthier physical body.
Furthermore, by addressing eating disorders early, we can help prevent the long-term consequences that can hinder veterans and military youth from transitioning smoothly into civilian life or continuing their military careers successfully. Prioritizing treatment for these conditions is essential not only for their personal health but also for their ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the broader society.
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To get in touch with someone who can help, call Seeds of Hope today at 610-819-4340 or fill out an online contact form.
