Increased Rates of Eating Disorders Among Musicians

By Michaela Wolfe

Introduction

An eating disorder is a mental illness that poses a threat to one’s physical and emotional well-being by forming a dysfunctional relationship with food. Alarmingly, musicians are found to be particularly vulnerable. Common symptoms include obsession with one's body shape, controlling food intake, sessions of binge eating, and having a limited list of preferred foods. Eating disorders can result in a myriad of negative consequences, including death. 

Elevated Rates of Eating Disorders within Musicians

Researchers revealed elevated risk factors and subsequently increased rates of eating disorders among musicians. At the Imperial College London in the Division of Brain Sciences, Marianna Kapsetaki conducted a study with 302 musicians. Within that sample size, 32.3% of participants had a lifetime prevalence of having an eating disorder. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, in 2018, the global population had a 7.8% lifetime prevalence of eating disorders. By a comparison of the data, it can be concluded that there is a significant increase in the lifetime prevalence of eating disorders within musician communities when compared to the normal global lifetime prevalence. This stark contrast illuminates the increased need to provide musicians with mental health support in order to ameliorate distorted relationships with food.

Knowing the Risk Factors

While there is no clear reason for the development of eating disorders, risk factors include biological, genetic, psychological, socio-cultural, and environmental triggers. Musicians are a particularly vulnerable population, as they face unique pressures that can contribute to the development of eating disorders.

The music industry lifestyle can be a breeding ground for stress. Low wages, location changes, or unstable work can cultivate a tenuous environment with adverse consequences. High stress levels may be especially true for music students who feel elevated pressure from schoolwork and competition with their classmates. By suffering from prolonged activation of the stress response system, musicians risk overexposing themselves to cortisol and other stress hormones. The influx of hormones can interfere with the homeostasis of bodily functions. According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress puts people at risk for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which are frequently comorbid with eating disorders. 

The rate of perfectionism within musician populations serves as another risk factor. Musicians may feel an increased need to be perfect due to high-stakes performances and rigorous training to advance their careers. In Kapsetaki’s research, she identified a positive correlation between perfectionism and rates of eating disorders among musicians. Perfectionistic tendencies may amplify eating disorder behaviors by causing people to be obsessive and controlling with their relationship to food. Disordered individuals may restrict food intake, obsessively exercise, and subject themselves to harsh body standards.

Identifying Eating Disorders

There are a variety of eating disorders that can be detrimental to one’s physical and mental well-being. Here are some common eating disorders, with symptoms sourced from the National Eating Disorders Association:

Anorexia Nervosa: Intense fear of gaining weight and relies on food intake restrictions, and/or purge calories. Common symptoms include: limiting consumption of calories, preoccupation with weight, avoidance of mealtime activities, and an intense exercise regimen.

Bulimia Nervosa: Recurring episodes of binge eating which are followed by compensatory behaviors aiming to avoid weight gain. Common symptoms include large 

amounts of food disappearing in short periods, self-induced vomiting, and hoarding of food. 

Binge Eating Disorder: Recurring episodes of binge eating that lead to distress. Common symptoms include eating until uncomfortably full, hoarding of food, and subsequently low self-esteem.

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Limiting food intake due to sensory characteristics of food and/or fear of adverse consequences. People with ARFID are not limiting their food intake in an attempt to lose weight. Common symptoms include: a limited range of preferred foods, weight loss, and fears of choking or vomiting.

Within the musicians sampled for Kapsetaki’s research, she identified that the most common eating disorder is binge eating disorder, followed by ARFID and anorexia. However, a variety of disorders were identified.

Seeking Help and Treatment

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it is crucial to seek help. Receiving emotional support from a loved one may help the journey to recovery feel less daunting. Contact hotlines such as the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline: 1 (866) 662-1235 for immediate assistance.

If you believe you are experiencing an eating disorder or a dysfunctional relationship with food, it is recommended to consult a primary care practitioner or a mental health professional for insight. With their help, they can address any physical concerns and create a personalized treatment plan. Treatment may involve a team of professionals, including psychiatrists, dietitians, and therapists. Options range from outpatient support to residential treatment centers.

If you are a musician concerned about their relationship with food, Creatives Care may be a resource. Our nonprofit specializes in connecting artists with mental health professionals adequate for meeting their needs. We are dedicated to bettering artists’ lives and mental well-being. By scheduling a consultation, we can refer you to professionals who are familiar with this process and can help facilitate a path toward recovery.

Sources

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6531399/

https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/health

https://eatingdisordersolutions.com/the-link-between-perfectionism-and-eating-disorders/

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/what-are-eating-disorders/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000291652203177X?via%3Dihub