Eating Disorder Facts And Statistics
Eating disorders are generally defined as mental illnesses that involve a negative or complex relationship with food, eating, exercise, body image, or all of the above. They can affect anyone of any gender, race, socioeconomic status, or age. You generally cannot look at someone and tell that they have an eating disorder, especially since many people hide them well.
Common eating disorders can include anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder, but there can be many other types of disordered eating. A mental health professional can accurately diagnose an eating disorder and get an individual started on a treatment plan to combat it. Depending on the severity of the disorder, it may be possible to complete treatment online or in person.
This article examines eating disorder statistics along with common symptoms of eating disorders and resources to help individuals seek mental health treatment for a potential eating disorder.
Eating disorder facts and statistics
Eating disorder statistics from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication highlight the prevalence and correlates of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, which can affect mental health conditions and increase mortality rates.
According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, disordered eating behaviors are common, with a significant proportion of adolescents experiencing eating disorders in their lifetime. The prevalence of eating disorders may be higher in those who experience substance use disorders and other diagnosable mental illnesses.
Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for addressing the health conditions associated with eating disorders. Prompt treatment may also improve outcomes through targeted interventions for eating disorders.
Eating disorders in adolescents is one of the most prevalent ways disordered eating manifests, reflecting the broader landscape of eating disorders in the national population. Recognizing the prevalence of eating disorders eating underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals struggling with these conditions.
In the US alone, approximately 30 million people live with eating disorders. Around 9% of the US population may develop an eating disorder at some point during their lives, and a death may occur due to an eating disorder approximately every 52 minutes.
Statistically, more women tend to have eating disorders than men. In recent years, however, the number of men who report eating disorder symptoms has risen significantly.
Nearly 1% of American women may develop anorexia at some point in their lives. Bulimia is usually even more common among American women, with 1.5% of women typically experiencing it at some point during their lives. Over half of all bulimia patients may have an anxiety disorder as well. Alcohol use can also be common among people who have bulimia.
Eating disorders in the DSM-V
The DSM refers to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Per the Fifth Edition of the DSM (DSM-V), eating disorders are considered severe conditions that normally require treatment.
If you recognize signs of an eating disorder in yourself or someone else, it can be vital to seek help immediately. The longer an eating disorder goes untreated, the worse it may become. Below, you’ll find information about some of the most common kinds of eating disorders.
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is typically among the most common types of eating disorders. It tends to be prevalent among women, but it is also something men can experience. Individuals with anorexia typically focus on having a specific weight or body shape and size. They may avoid eating food entirely to ensure they don’t gain weight.
Disorders like this can be challenging to live with. Sometimes, people can become so malnourished that their lives may be in danger. Treating the mental aspect of this condition can be essential. Sometimes, negative body image is the reason for someone developing anorexia, but there can be many different causes. Working with a therapist can enable someone to identify the root cause of their disorder.
Statistics show that anorexia tends to be more common among certain minority groups. Transgender people may develop anorexia at a higher rate than average as well. This eating disorder may also be more common among college-aged adults. No matter who you are, though, it can be essential to seek help if you think you have anorexia.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia can be similar to anorexia in some ways. Those with bulimia may also be fixated on a particular body size, shape, or weight. However, those with bulimia often eat full meals or binge-eat larger amounts of food and then purge the food from their bodies. They may use one or more different methods of getting rid of the food they have eaten to avoid consuming the calories.
This fixation on body image can be very harmful. Individuals with bulimia can experience severe weight loss and may have trouble holding down food. A varied treatment plan that addresses physical and mental health concerns is often necessary to overcome this condition.
Compulsive eating disorder or binge-eating disorder
Compulsive eating disorders or binge-eating disorders are generally characterized by people not being able to control the amount of food they take in. They often consume large amounts of food in one sitting and may have severe problems with weight.
Pica
Pica is usually a less common eating disorder, but it may still be worth noting. Sometimes, people have the urge to eat items that aren't food. People living with pica may eat non-nutritive substances on a somewhat consistent basis, which can potentially be very harmful and may lead to physical health problems.
Getting a condition like pica under control can involve behavioral therapy and treating another mental disorder if one is present. Often, people with pica feel ashamed of their habits and seek to hide them as much as possible. However, getting medical help can be vital, and doctors are normally trained to assist those with pica or any other disorder that needs attention.
Causes of eating disorders
The causes of eating disorders can vary from person to person. One of the most common causes of an eating disorder can be trauma. Some people may be bullied regarding their physique at a young age, which can cause them to develop body image issues. When this occurs, a person may have a complicated relationship with their physical appearance.
A deep desire to alter one’s physical appearance can lead to the development of an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia. Food can then become a means of control, which the person may have felt was lacking before.
Genetics and biological factors may also predispose a person to develop an eating disorder. If someone in the family has an unhealthy relationship with food, other family members may be more likely to develop disordered eating behaviors.
If someone has a mental health disorder like depression, OCD, or anxiety, they may be more likely to develop an eating disorder and vice versa. Studies usually show a link between mental disorders like depression and eating habits.
Certain personality traits, low self-esteem, and feeling out of control can also lead to poor eating or exercise habits. Social pressure can make it tempting to eat less or exercise more, potentially leading to an eating disorder if one isn’t careful. This can be especially true in children, teens, and young adults who are trying to fit in and respond to peer pressure.
Risk factors for eating disorders
Various factors can contribute to eating disorders. There are usually three different types of risk factors to consider: psychological risk factors, social risk factors, and biological risk factors.
Psychological risk factors
Psychological risk factors may include the presence of an anxiety disorder, depression, or another mental health condition. Mentally vulnerable people may care more deeply about the opinions of others. When people tease or bully them, it can lead to negative emotions. Some people may develop an eating disorder purely due to psychological trauma, and those who experience anxiety and depression may be more vulnerable.
Social risk factors
Social risk factors tend to be a bit more complicated. Several influences (peers, social media, etc.) can make individuals believe their body or weight isn’t ideal. This pressure can lead to the desire to lose weight or avoid gaining weight, which may lead to potentially unhealthy behaviors. Social factors can play a huge role in the development of eating disorders, no matter your age, gender, or race.
Biological risk factors
Biological factors of eating disorders can be important to consider as well. Biological factors contributing to eating disorders may include having a family member with an eating disorder and a family history of anxiety disorders. A person may develop an eating disorder because their family has a history of such things. There are usually other factors involved, too, such as environmental and social influences, but it can be essential to understand that biology can play a role in some cases.
Eating disorder treatments
Treatments for eating disorders can be numerous. You can begin treatment for an eating disorder by turning to your doctor. They may prescribe medication or refer you to a mental health professional. You should only start or stop medication with a licensed medical professional’s guidance.
Therapy can be another vital resource that may help you address the root cause of the disorder. Determining the cause of disordered eating habits can help you effectively address the root of the condition.
Having someone to talk to when coping with an eating disorder can be very beneficial. Sometimes, meeting with a mental health professional in person isn’t practical. If this is your situation, you might consider online therapy.
Benefits of online therapy
Online therapy can empower you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home while receiving advice and guidance from your therapist through any smart device. You can talk on the phone, meet via video call, or message through the chat feature. You may also reach out to your therapist anytime, and they’ll usually get back to you as soon as they can.
Effectiveness of online therapy
A 2021 study evaluated the effectiveness of online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for individuals with eating disorders. The results generally included large effect sizes for the reduction of eating disorder symptoms and body dissatisfaction, as well as small to moderate effect sizes for self-esteem, social functioning, physical and mental health, and quality of life.
Takeaway
What are the statistics for eating disorders in 2023?
It can be difficult to assess eating disorder facts and statistics for the current year, because research studies take time to complete. However, several recently released studies can offer some insight into the up-to-date landscape of eating disorders.
Recent eating disorder facts and statistics
A report on behavioral health trends from the firm Trilliant Health found that visits to healthcare providers for eating disorders more than doubled between 2018 and 2022. This rise appears to be correlated with heavier usage of social media, as well as feelings of depression and hopelessness, though it’s not clear if there’s a causal link.
An alternate possibility might be that the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdown had a major detrimental impact on mental health. This could be due to a combination of isolation, stress, and limited opportunity to receive treatment. A recent paper in the International Journal of Eating Disorders noted that there was a dramatic spike in the number of eating disorder patients entering hospitals during the pandemic.
The latest estimates on the prevalence of eating disorders suggest that roughly 0.72% of the global population has experienced one of these disorders within the past 12 months. Around 1.69% have grappled with some type of eating disorder at least once in their lifetimes.
However, the numbers may be significantly higher in adolescents and young adults. Recent research published in Current Opinion in Psychiatry found that between 5.5% and 17.9% of young women had experienced eating disorders within their lives, as had 0.6%-2.4% of young men.
What are some facts and statistics about anorexia?
Based on the most up-to-date studies, anorexia nervosa appears to be substantially more common in women. Approximately 4% of women may experience anorexia within their lives, compared to around 0.3% of men. That said, some researchers believe rates in men may be underestimated due to stigma and concealment.
LGBTQ+ individuals may also be at higher risk for this disorder. The overall lifetime prevalence of anorexia nervosa among sexual minorities (not separated by gender) has been estimated at 1.7%, compared to 0.77% in the general population. The figures may be even higher for transgender people, with approximate rates around 4%.
It’s less clear whether there are differences in the rates of anorexia across different ethnicities. Some studies report a somewhat higher incidence of this illness in white individuals, but others dispute this finding. Low socioeconomic status may also increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing an eating disorder.
Who is most likely to have anorexia?
Recent studies suggest that roughly 0.08% of adult women in the United States meet the criteria for an eating disorder within a given year, making them the group most likely to have an eating disorder, including anorexia. However, estimates can vary widely, and some researchers report substantially higher numbers.
For example, a JAMA Network study published in 2019 reported an average 12-month prevalence of 10.3% for women 21 years old. This was the age with the highest reported occurrence of eating disorders. Even at age 40, for which the numbers were much lower, the average was above 4%.
What country has the highest rates of eating disorders?
Exact comparisons of eating disorder rates between countries are difficult due to significant differences in demographics. Based on age-standardized rates of prevalence, Australia is believed to have the highest rate of eating disorders per capita, followed by Luxembourg and Spain. Eating disorder rates appear to be increasing most rapidly in China.
In general, high-income industrialized countries tend to experience more eating disorders than others. Western nations have the highest prevalence overall, though they’re closely followed by wealthier East Asian and Pacific countries.
Who is most likely to have an eating disorder?
Based on demographic factors, the population most at risk for eating disorders would be adolescent females or transgender individuals. Among men, young gay bisexual individuals appear to be at the highest risk.
Many other individual factors can also increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. Notable examples include:
- Experiencing childhood sexual abuse
- Having another mental illness, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder
- One or more parents with eating disorders
- Family or peer pressure related to weight and appearance
Who are eating disorders most commonly found among?
Eating disorders are most commonly found in young people. Research suggests that the highest rates of these conditions occur at age 21.
Affected individuals may have a history of unhealthy weight control behaviors or excessive concern with thinness prior to diagnosis. Experimentation with eating disorder behaviors like extreme calorie restriction often begins in adolescence.
Which gender has higher rates of eating disorders?
Anorexia and other eating disorders are more common in females than males. Many sources estimate that the prevalence of these psychiatric disorders could be as much as 10 times higher in women and girls. Other experts believe the difference isn’t so drastic, but men are less likely to self-report or seek eating disorder treatment. The National Eating Disorders Association also reports that eating disorders affect transgender individuals at higher rates than cisgender people of either gender.
Are eating disorders, like binge eating disorder, more common nowadays?
Evidence indicates that eating disorders have become more common over the past two decades. The observed increase may be partly due to better diagnostic methods, but there could also be a genuine increase in the incidence of these illnesses.
Researchers are still working to determine what might be driving a possible rise in eating disorder prevalence. Potential theories include:
- Increased social isolation
- Greater availability of content promoting potentially unhealthy weight loss
- Higher levels of stress and anxiety
What is known about eating disorders?
Eating disorders can manifest in several different ways, but they all involve serious disruptions to food intake and nutrition. People with eating disorders may experience severe anxiety about their body image, weight, and food choices. Affected individuals typically develop eating disorders in adolescence or young adulthood, though this isn’t always the case.
Five common eating disorders
Some eating disorders are more common than others. According to the American Psychiatric Association, the five most common eating disorders are as follows.
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is one of the most common eating disorders and can have severe side effects. Symptoms involve self-starvation driven by persistent, excessive fears about fat and weight gain.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves a cycle of alternating “binges”—periods of excessive food consumption— and “purges”—attempts to lose weight rapidly through methods like extreme dieting, excessive exercise, self-induced vomiting, or overuse of laxatives. This disorder is often driven by low self-esteem and body image concerns as well.
Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder involves repeated episodes of unhealthy, excessive food intake, which often feel out of the individual’s control. Unlike bulimia, binge eating disorder does not involve purging behavior.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
ARFID involves extremely selective, limited eating. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, however, these restrictions are usually based on sensory distaste for food or anxiety around the act of eating rather than concerns about weight or body image.
Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED)
This category includes a variety of eating disorders that are similar to those listed above but do not quite match the diagnostic criteria. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose an eating disorder like OSFED or any of the others listed here.
What is the cause of eating disorders? What are some theories for these disorders?
As with many psychiatric illnesses, it can be difficult to pinpoint a single cause for eating disorders. A 2015 review of scientific research on this topic concluded that these disorders appear to arise from a combination of genetics and psychosocial factors including:
- Cultural idealization of thin body types
- Perfectionism
- Expectations for thinness from family and friends
- Tendency toward negative emotionality
- Impulsivity when distressed
- Peer pressure
Some researchers think that these conditions may have metabolic causes as well as psychological ones. The human body might adapt to repeated starvation by shifting its internal signals of hunger and energy use.
As a result, an individual who experiments with extreme dieting out of a desire to lose weight might disrupt their perception of their own need for food. They might feel little desire to eat even though they’re severely underweight, leading to anorexia. This theory is supported by findings that some of the known genetic risk factors for eating disorders involve genes that play important roles in metabolic control.
Another possibility is that eating disorders could involve some of the same neurological and psychological mechanisms as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These conditions commonly occur together and show many of the same genetic risk factors. Some researchers have proposed that certain characteristics, such as perfectionism or difficulty controlling one’s thoughts, could drive both types of mental illness.
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