Every year, according to eating disorder statistics, millions of individuals are diagnosed with eating disorders and only half of them receive suitable medical help.
Previously, eating disorders were not considered to be life-threatening because not many people were aware of their harmful effects. Thanks to different non-profit organizations, who researched eating disorders, conducted surveys and brought authentic eating disorder statistics to light.
Despite extensive research, the reason behind eating disorders is still difficult to find. You may occasionally find an article on the internet with reference to some eating disorder case study or a clinical journal providing relevant information. This is why we have put together authentic eating disorder statistics for our readers. Have a look!
How Many People have Eating Disorders?
Eating disorder has affected thousands of individuals whether they belong to the US, the UK or some other non-European state.
In the UK, it is estimated that around 725,000 people have been affected by some disorder once in their lifetime. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence estimates that around 11% of the sufferers are males. Moreover, NHS uncovers that around 6.4% of the adults display symptoms of eating disorders.
In the US, National Eating Disorder Association’s eating disorder statistics showed that 10 million women and one million men suffer from eating disorders. This means that around 10-15% of the US population are a victim of eating disorders.
In the non-European and non-western states, the number of the affected individuals is less, but it has been on the rise recently. According to a Medscape’s General Medicine study, around 0.46% to 3.2% of female subjects suffer from Bulimia Nervosa.
Which Eating Disorder is the Most Common?
In the UK, the recent studies by Diagnostic Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders have stated that Anorexia is most popular among English teens. After Anorexia comes Bulimia and then Binge-eating disorder. On the other hand, in the US, Binge-eating is the most popular form of eating disorder among the teen and adolescents. These eating disorder statistics were uncovered by National Institute of Health which revealed that up to 0.3% of adolescents suffered from Anorexia, 0.9% suffered from Bulimia and up to 1.6% suffered from Binge-eating disorder.
Mortality Rate
According to the eating disorder statistics available, it is a mental disease with the highest mortality rate. National Association of Anorexia and Associated Disorders (ANAD) released a study that shows the following eating disorder statistics:
- 5-10% of the anorexics die within ten years, and the other 18-20% of the anorexics die within 20 years of diagnosis without proper medical attention.
- Eating disorder Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate. Also, the deaths caused by Anorexia Nervosa are 12 times higher than all the causes of death among the young and late female adults.
- Without proper medical help, 20% of the anorexics would die, but the numbers can be reduced up to 2% with proper treatment.
- Medical diagnosis and treatment can help 60% of the anorexic patients. 20% of people recover with partial anorexic habits, and the remaining 20% of the people’s eating habits do not change or improve even with medical help.
Eating Disorders Statistics and Genetics
Eating disorders have no apparent cause, but genetics and family relations seem to play an important role in the onset and prognosis of these disorders. According to the eating disorder statistics provided by some researchers, it is revealed that female relatives of the sufferer are 11.4% times more likely to develop anorexia. Moreover, the female relatives of the individual with Bulimia are 3.7% more likely to develop it in later stages of their lives.
Eating Disorder and Substance Abuse
Women who are younger than 30 and are alcoholic are likely to develop eating disorders. Furthermore, some eating disorder statistics suggest that around 50% of the individuals suffering from any form of eating disorders are also abusing drugs and alcohol at a higher rate than the normal individuals.
General Eating Disorder Statistics
- 5% athletes have admitted to suffering from clinical to sub-clinical eating disorder.
- 42% female athletes who compete in aesthetic sports have displayed eating disorder behavior to stay in shape.
- 30% of teenage boys and 50% of teenage girls practice unhealthy eating habits and adopt life-threatening weight control strategies to maintain and control their weight.
- 2%, 0.5% and 2% of the men suffer from Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge-eating disorder respectively.
Learning what the above eating disorder statistics guide revealed is quite alarming. If you know someone or if you are sharing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Visit causes of eating disorders for more information.
