Nearly 10 million women and 1 million men in America suffer from an eating disorder. As their illness causes them to pursue a 'perfect' body, but the pursuit can lead to a recovery price that is far too high.
By Ashley Wilbourn
Eating disorders - anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and others - affect nearly ten million females and one million males in the United States.
Despite the growing amount of research on eating disorders and the growing awareness surrounding the various diseases, there is still a lot that is unknown, forcing many people to suffer in silence.
Even those who choose to look for help may find it too expensive. A month of inpatient treatment can run patients up to $30,000 - a price that is often not covered by insurance companies.
Many insurance companies refuse to treat eating disorders, claiming they are not a biological illness but rather a psychological illness caused by environmental factors. In some states though, the tide is starting to turn. For instance, on April 23, 2009, a judge in New Jersey required the state's largest health insurance provider to cover claims for eating disorders.
Those who suffer from eating disorders across the nation and their families are hoping other states will follow suit.
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