Eating Disorders Statistics

Eating disorders are serious and complex mental illnesses that affect millions of people worldwide, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. While often misunderstood as lifestyle choices, they are severe psychiatric conditions with profound physical and psychological consequences. Recent data reveals a troubling increase in prevalence, with global estimates more than doubling over the past two decades^[8]. Understanding the scope of this public health crisis is the first step toward addressing the systemic barriers that prevent timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

The following statistics provide a snapshot of the prevalence of eating disorders in the United States and globally. It's important to note that traditional estimates often focused on anorexia and bulimia, but including conditions like binge-eating disorder (BED) and Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED) reveals a much larger affected population^[9]. These numbers highlight the widespread nature of these conditions and their impact across different life stages.

The prevalence of eating disorders has been on a concerning upward trend for over a decade. Data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and SAMHSA shows a steady climb in annual rates among U.S. adults, representing a percentage increase of over 70% between 2010 and 2025^[2]. This acceleration suggests that societal, environmental, and psychological pressures are intensifying, contributing to a growing public health crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a significant catalyst, dramatically worsening the situation. Factors such as social isolation, economic stress, disruptions to daily routines, and increased social media exposure created a perfect storm for the development and exacerbation of eating disorders^[12]. The data below illustrates the sharp increase in diagnoses and hospitalizations, particularly among young people, during this period.

While eating disorders are often stereotyped as affecting only young, thin, white women, data reveals a much more diverse reality. These conditions impact individuals across all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and body sizes^[13]. Although females are diagnosed at higher rates, a significant number of males also struggle with eating disorders, often facing unique stigmas and diagnostic barriers^[2]. Understanding these demographic nuances is crucial for dismantling stereotypes and ensuring equitable access to care.

Research increasingly shows that eating disorders affect minoritized racial and ethnic groups at rates comparable to or even higher than non-Hispanic white populations^[7]. However, these communities often face greater barriers to diagnosis and treatment, including cultural stigma, lack of culturally competent care, and diagnostic biases. These systemic issues can lead to under-recognition of symptoms and poorer health outcomes for BIPOC individuals^[14].

Where a person lives can significantly impact their risk for an eating disorder and their ability to access care. Studies show a disparity between urban and rural areas, with urban centers often reporting higher diagnosis rates^[15]. However, this may reflect better access to diagnostic services rather than lower actual prevalence in rural areas, where screening studies have found alarmingly high rates of risk, particularly among young women^[2]. Socioeconomic factors, such as financial hardship and food insecurity, also play a crucial role in elevating risk^[16].

Despite the severity and prevalence of eating disorders, a vast majority of individuals do not receive the care they need. The path to recovery is often blocked by significant barriers, including a shortage of specialized providers, long wait times, and high costs^[2]. In fact, over 70% of individuals cite the cost of treatment as a primary reason for not seeking care^[17]. These challenges are compounded by stigma and a lack of awareness, which contribute to significant delays between symptom onset and diagnosis.

When individuals are able to access care, evidence-based treatments can be highly effective. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT) are considered the gold standard and have demonstrated significant success in helping patients achieve remission^[2][1]. The expansion of telehealth has also shown promise, with studies indicating that remote treatment outcomes are comparable to in-person care, potentially bridging geographic and access barriers for many^[18]. However, even with treatment, relapse can be common, and nearly 40% of individuals hospitalized for an eating disorder may require readmission^[2].

The financial impact of eating disorders extends far beyond individual treatment costs, imposing a significant burden on the national economy. The total annual cost in the United States is estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars, a figure that encompasses direct healthcare expenses, lost productivity from absenteeism and presenteeism, and informal care provided by family members^[6]. This economic toll underscores the urgent need for investment in prevention and early intervention, which can reduce long-term costs and improve health outcomes.

Eating disorders are not lifestyle issues; they are life-threatening conditions with some of the highest mortality rates among all psychiatric illnesses^[19]. The risk of premature death is significantly elevated, stemming from both medical complications like cardiovascular collapse and a high rate of suicide. The psychological pain associated with these disorders is immense, leading to a suicide risk that can be dozens of times higher than that of the general population. This stark reality underscores the critical importance of recognizing eating disorders as serious medical emergencies that require immediate and comprehensive intervention.