The eating disorders statistics are simply staggering. Statistics on eating disorders tell us that as much as 1% of the general population suffers from anorexia and as much as 2% of the population suffers from bulimia. However, as many as 10% of women experience some symptoms of eating disorders. While their symptoms do not meet the full criteria of an eating disorder, they are still in trouble.
The statistics on eating disorders point to the seriousness of these conditions.
Eating Disorders Statistics
The statistics on eating disorders tell us that:
- Eating disorders “peak” during late adolescence and the twenties.
- However, children as young as age six have been diagnosed with eating disorders, and of course they can occur in older adults as well.
- Four percent of college-age women suffer from eating disorders.
- The prevalence of eating disorders has increased during the last 30 – 40 years.
- Only 5 – 10% of those with eating disorders are male. Follow this link for more information on males with eating disorders.
- Homosexual males are more likely to develop eating disorders than heterosexual males.
- Men who participate on wrestling teams are also more likely to develop eating disorders.
- Eating disorders are most prominent among Caucasians, but can and do occur among all ethnic groups. This statistic is also changing – more and more non-Caucasian people are being diagnosed with eating disorders these days.
Eating Disorders Statistics on Dieting
The statistics on eating disorders include information about dieting. These statistics may surprise you.
- At any given time in America, 25% of men and 45% of women are dieting.
- Up to 35% of “normal” dieters will progress to pathological dieting in some form.
- Up to 25% of “normal” dieters will go on to develop eating disorders.
- Nearly 50% of 9 – 11 year olds are “sometimes” or “often” on diets.
- About 50% of 9 – 11 year olds also report feeling better about themselves when on a diet.
- About 95% of dieters will regain any weight lost within one to five years.
- Americans spend more than $50 billion each year on diet programs and dieting products.
Eating Disorders Statistics on Recovery
The statistics on eating disorders and recovery are equally staggering.
- Without treatment, up to 20% of those with eating disorders will die.
- Eating disorders treatment is fully successful in about 60% of the cases.
- In another 20% of cases, treatment is partially successful. The person will be able to maintain a job and some superficial relationships, but will continue to struggle with disordered eating.
- In the final 20% of cases, treatment will have no success. The person will continue to suffer symptoms of their eating disorder and will be continue to be seen in emergency rooms, mental health clinics, and eating disorder treatment centers.
- Eating disorders statistics tell us that in order for treatment to be successful, it must be multi-faceted. It must include medical care, mental health care, and nutritional education and counseling.
- Specialized eating disorder treatment centers often, though not always, have the best success rates. Eating disorders are often treated at general mental health clinics and in general hospital psychiatric wards, but these may not always meet the specific needs of those with eating disorders.
- Long-term treatment is often needed for success. Remission often occurs within as little as three months, but relapse is common, pointing to the need for ongoing care.
If these statistics on eating disorders hit a little close to home and you need help for yourself or someone you know, follow this link to our listing of treatment centers. These treatment centers have trained professionals that answer the phone and can address any questions or concerns you may have.
You can follow these links for more facts on eating disorders, or to see charts and graphs on eating disorders.