Eating Disorders Statistics
Eating disorders and disordered eating patterns are a widespread problem and have increased over the last 30-40 years.
Eating disorders are responsible for more loss of life than any other type of psychological illness.
Millions of people suffer from eating disorders, and while this figure includes individuals who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, it is also thought to include those who have not received an official diagnosis. Many instances of eating disorders are thought to remain undiagnosed because they are unreported, possibly due to the shame, secrecy and deniability associated with such conditions.
Many eating disorders are atypical, which means that problem-eating behaviours are present, but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder.
Eating disorders are more common among women, but men suffer too. And while eating problems are more prevalent among women of a certain age group, they can affect anyone at any age, from any cultural background.
The study of eating disorders, their prevalence and effects is relatively new. Researchers use different research methods and study different groups of people, which yield different results.
Eating disorders statistics vary according to the source from which they are obtained. Therefore any statistics cited should be considered with caution.
(All statistics on this website were obtained from the corresponding websites of the organisations mentioned.)
Eating Disorders Statistics (US) - Here are some eating disorders statistics from various US resources, regarding the incidence and prevalence of eating disorders among individuals in the United States.
Eating Disorders Statistics (UK) - Here are some eating disorders statistics from various UK resources, regarding the incidence and prevalence of eating disorders among individuals in the United Kingdom.
Anorexia Nervosa Statistics (US) - Here are some statistics on anorexia nervosa from various US sources, regarding the incidence and prevalence of anorexia among individuals in the United States.
Anorexia Nervosa Statistics (UK) - Here are some statistics on anorexia nervosa from various UK sources, regarding the incidence and prevalence of anorexia among individuals in the United Kingdom.
Bulimia Nervosa Statistics (US) - Here are some statistics on bulimia nervosa from various US sources, regarding the incidence and prevalence of bulimia among individuals in the United States.
Bulimia Nervosa Statistics (UK) - Here are some statistics on bulimia nervosa from various UK sources, regarding the incidence and prevalence of bulimia among individuals in the United Kingdom.
Binge Eating Disorder Statistics (US) - Here are some statistics on binge-eating disorder from various US sources, regarding the incidence and prevalence of binge-eating disorder among individuals in the United States.
Binge Eating Disorder Statistics (UK) - Here are some statistics on binge-eating disorder from various UK sources, regarding the incidence and prevalence of binge-eating disorder among individuals in the United Kingdom.