Eating Disorder Facts And Statistics

Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW and Majesty Purvis, LCMHC
Updated October 23, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and pica can affect millions of people around the globe. These disorders often involve unhealthy relationships with food, exercise, and body image. They can result from a variety of biological, psychological, and social risk factors. If you have an eating disorder, it can be important to remember that you are not alone. An online or in-person therapist can connect you with resources to rely on during treatment and recovery, including support groups, self-care methods, and other tools.
Healing from eating disorders is possible
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