Anorexia statistics are grim. According to Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc., without treatment, up to 20% of people with serious eating disorders die. With treatment, 2 – 3% of people with anorexia die. Statistics on anorexia show that mortality rates from anorexia are the highest of any psychological disorder.
Anorexia statistics show that with treatment, only 60% make a full recovery. About 20% make a partial recovery, meaning that they may be able to hold a job and maintain some superficial relationships but remain very focused on food and weight. They may continue to abuse laxatives or diet pills. They remain underweight. The final 20% stay dangerously underweight. They are seen frequently in emergency rooms, mental health clinics, inpatient hospital units, and eating disorder treatment programs.
People with anorexia can suffer a number of potentially fatal medical conditions, including heart disease, kidney and liver disease, and potassium and magnesium imbalances that can lead to heart failure. In addition, they often suffer from osteoporosis (thinning, brittle bones), low blood pressure, ulcers, dizziness and fainting, irregular heart rhythm, headaches, nausea, and a myriad of other physical problems. Anorexic statistics indicate that they also experience anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems as well.
Who Gets Anorexia?
It is difficult to get accurate statistics on anorexia because so many people try to hide their disorder. Anorexics often pretend to eat, wear bulky clothing to disguise how thin they really are, and deny many of the symptoms they experience. There is a lot of shame attached to the condition.
Anorexia statistics show that most anorexics are young women. Only about 10% of all anorexics are male. Researchers do not know for sure why that is.
Statistics on anorexia show that between 1 – 5% of all female adolescents and young women are anorexic. The average age of onset is 17. It is rare, but not unheard of, for children under the age of 10 to have the condition. Older woman can have it as well, although it is usually diagnosed in the teens or twenties. Anorexic statistics show that it is very rarely diagnosed after the age of 40.
Anorexia is much more prevalent in western culture than in non-western countries. Some believe this has to do with the media in western society, which portrays thin women as beautiful and desirable. Anorexic statistics do not tell us for certain, however. It should be noted that anorexia statistics do show that anorexia and other eating disorders seem to be on the rise in non-western countries, possibly due to more exposure to western media and culture.
What About Treatment?
Statistics on anorexia are not favorable as far as treatment goes. Only about 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. Remember, anorexia statistics show that 20% of people with anorexia who do not get treatment will die. About 80% of those who do get treatment don’t get enough of it; they receive some impatient care, but are sent home before the recommended length of stay is up. There may be several reasons for this. They may leave against medical advice because they don’t think they need the treatment, or their health insurance coverage may refuse to pay for further treatment. Anorexia statistics show that inpatient treatment costs an average of $1000 per day, and the recommended length of stay is usually three to six months.
Related Anorexia Statistics
- Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents.
- 40 – 60% of high school girls diet.
- 50% of girls between the ages of 13 and 15 believe they are overweight.
- 80% of 13 year old girls have dieted.
- 40% of 9 year old girls dieted.
One of the most successful treatment centers in the world that specializes in eating disorders is the Westwind Recovery Center. Their program is for women only, and treats all types of eating disorders. What makes them unique is that they work with each person setting individual goals, so that you are a full partner in your treatment plan. You can follow this link to the 
Westwind Eating Disorder Recovery Center to learn more, and see if they may be right for you.
If you have any questions on these statistics on anorexia, please do not hesitate to contact us. For more information on anorexia and treatment, follow the links.