Eating Disorders Statistics 2024: What's New?

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC
Updated November 4, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, substance use, or abuse which could be triggering to the reader.
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Research on mental health conditions is ongoing, and new insights have been discovered each year. In 2024, eating disorder statistics can shed light on the unique challenges people with these mental health conditions face in modern society, as well as up-to-date information on the most effective treatments. Seeking treatment for eating disorders early on can be vital to early intervention and support and can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. 

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What are eating disorders? 

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that involve an unhealthy focus on food, body weight, body shape, or body size. Often, eating disorders are characterized by eating disorder behaviors, which are unhealthy eating or weight loss behaviors that can result in negative health outcomes. Eating disorders can affect anyone, though they are more common among certain groups of people. 

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provides an overview of general eating disorder statistics. However, eating disorder statistics regularly change to reflect changes in cultural and expert understanding. People wanting to stay on the cutting edge of eating disorder research may wish to follow the Journal of Eating Disorders, an open-access publication of peer-reviewed articles focused on eating disorders and eating disorder symptoms.

New research in eating disorders in 2024 

Much of the eating disorder research published in 2024 focused on changes to eating disorder statistics during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, a significant proportion of the new research focused on eating disorders among specific groups of people, like military members and transgender youth. Many of the studies containing statistics report an increase in the prevalence of eating disorders in recent years, potentially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the following statistics were observed: 

  • An Italian study found that eating disorder symptoms became worse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • A New Zealand study found that hospitalizations for eating disorders increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with rates especially increasing among 10 to 19-year-old females and the Indigenous Māori population.
  • A Canadian study found that pediatric hospitalizations for eating disorders increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • An Irish study found that pediatric hospitals experienced a greater number of people with eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eating disorders and mental health

Multiple studies published in 2024 looked at the intersection of disordered eating behaviors and other mental health disorders. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 79 studies found that nearly 35% of people with eating disorders have engaged in non-suicidal self-injury, which is self-harm done without the intent to commit suicide. Another systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 articles found that having binge eating disorder was associated with a 28% increased chance of having a personality disorder. Researchers also found that 76% of people in a residential eating disorder treatment facility also had mood disorders.

Eating disorders and women's health

Some 2024 studies examined how eating disorders intersected with women's health. One systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies found that the rates of anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorders both increase during pregnancy. In the study, 4.3% of pregnant women had an eating disorder. Eating disorders were more likely among pregnant women under age 30, with a secondary school degree, married, and with a standard body mass index (BMI). 

Another study examined eating disorders among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder among women. A review of 38 studies found that, across research studies, between 0% and 62% of women with PCOS also had an eating disorder. Having PCOS was associated with being three to six times more likely to have an eating disorder.

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Eating disorders in the military

In 2024, a research study looked at eating disorders among US military members between 2016 and 2021. The study authors found that about 6% of military members received eating disorder diagnoses during this time. The most common condition was an unspecified type of eating disorder, followed by binge-eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa. Between 2016 and 2021, the total number of people in the military with an eating disorder increased by 18.5%.

A survey of military members found higher rates of eating disorders compared to those listed in medical records. The study also found multiple factors associated with developing an eating disorder as a military member. For example, being on active duty (rather than on reserve), being deployed into combat, lacking social support, experiencing one or more life stressors, having an alcohol use disorder, or having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) all made having an eating disorder more likely. 

Eating disorders in transgender youth

5% of transgender youth in one study were categorized as having an eating disorder. In addition, 20% of the transgender youth participants had engaged in at least one type of disordered eating behavior in the last month. Disordered eating behaviors were typically found at a much higher rate among transgender women (those assigned male at birth) compared to transgender men (those assigned female at birth). The study authors speculate that the result could be due to a desire to become thinner to appear more feminine and socially "pass" as cisgender.

Anorexia nervosa statistics

A study on anorexia nervosa and circadian rhythms found that anorexia nervosa is "a morningness disorder," occurring more commonly among morning people (those who prefer waking up early). This result stands in contrast to bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, two eating disorders associated with being an evening person. The study also confirmed that anorexia nervosa often overlaps with insomnia or persistent trouble sleeping.

Anorexia nervosa treatments

A 20% subset of people with anorexia nervosa have the disorder long-term, which is referred to as severe enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN) by experts. A 2024 review of 25 studies published between 2003 and 2022 identified three main treatment themes for this more severe subset of anorexia nervosa: psychotherapy, medication, and brain stimulation therapy. For psychotherapy, research found that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common type.

Bulimia nervosa statistics

In one study, researchers looked at mental health outcomes for people with all types of eating disorder symptoms. Those with bulimia nervosa experienced the highest rate of improvement, as well as the highest rate of relapse. The study authors suggest that recovery from bulimia nervosa has "a more episodic course" than recovery among other eating disorders, with people experiencing more ups and downs as they recover rather than a linear recovery of steady improvement. The study also found that self-help, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are the most effective treatments for bulimia nervosa.

Binge eating disorder statistics

Binge eating disorder came up in hundreds of 2024 studies, often considered one of the most common eating disorders in the US. Many of these studies focused on treatments, with one finding that therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, is a popular and helpful treatment option. Another study found that education on mindful eating also returned promising results related to binge eating, body image, and worries about waist size. There were many studies on the use of certain medications to treat binge eating disorder.

Binge eating disorder and medications

Binge eating disorder causes frequent food cravings and patterns of eating significantly large quantities of food, often causing weight gain. With some medications gaining in popularity as a treatment for obesity, experts are beginning to study how these medications may work for binge eating disorder. 

A 2024 study found a particular medication reduced binge eating more than two other types of medications. Other studies found similar results from medicines that were tested in people who binge eat and have type 2 diabetes and those who do not have diabetes. However, note that the BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Orthorexia

Orthorexia, also called orthorexia nervosa, is an eating disorder not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) that involves an obsession with health and food purity. Experts are increasingly recognizing the condition as an eating disorder. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 studies found that the statistics on orthorexia are highly variable due to a lack of unified diagnostic criteria. The authors conclude that more research is needed to develop diagnostic tools for orthorexia.

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Therapy for eating disorders

If you suspect you may have an eating disorder, therapy may be helpful. Therapy provides a safe space to discuss your eating habits, thoughts, and feelings surrounding food, body weight, body image, and any other topics you want to discuss. If you face barriers to in-person options, online therapy may be a more accessible choice. Remote therapy provides comfort, allowing you to attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection. Through a platform like BetterHelp, you can also get matched with a therapist with experience treating eating disorders. 

A 2024 systematic review, meta-analysis, and multivariable meta-regression analysis of 415 studies on eating disorder outcomes determined that up to half of people with eating disorders recover. In addition to nutritional education, the authors name therapy an essential part of eating disorder recovery. Studies have also found online therapy effective, especially in supporting clients with bulimia nervosa. 

Takeaway

Eating disorders are serious and can significantly impact a person’s mental and physical health. Every year, new research sheds light on statistics related to eating disorders. In 2024, many studies found that eating disorders increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eating disorder research also looked at eating disorders among specific groups of people in 2024. Regardless of who has an eating disorder, nutritional education and therapy may be helpful treatment options for recovery. Consider seeking support from a therapist online or in your area to get started.
Healing from eating disorders is possible
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