Eating disorders are among some of the most common disorders people struggle with in the United States.
This condition doesn’t discriminate, and affects men and women of every age, race, weight, social and financial status, though there are certain demographics that are more likely to develop this disorder than others.
In this article, we’re going to cover a full range of eating disorder facts, including specific facts around the most common eating disorders of binge-eating disorder, anorexia and bulimia.
General facts about eating disorders
It’s believed that at least 9 percent of the worldwide population struggles with an eating disorder.
30 million people are actively struggling with an eating disorder in the United States.
Over 95 percent of all people with an eating disorder are between the ages of 12 and 25.
Teenagers within the LGBTQ+ community are over four times more likely to develop an eating disorder than any other demographic.
Genetics, environmental factors, relationships and mental health all contribute to the potential development of an eating disorder.
Eating disorders have the highest risk of death among all mental illnesses (addiction is a disorder, not a mental health condition). Over 10,000 deaths annually are the direct result of an eating disorder, and a fourth of all people with eating disorders attempt suicide.
Anorexia eating disorder facts
Females are over three times more likely to develop anorexia than males (but it’s important to remember that males of all ages can struggle with it as well).
Up to five percent of all female adolescents and young women are struggling with anorexia.
Half of all anorexia patients are also experiencing a mental illness, such as depression.
Half of all anorexia patients are also experiencing an anxiety disorder, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder or phobia disorder.
1-to-2 out of every five anorexia deaths occur by suicide.
If you or someone you love is struggling with anorexia, reach out for help today.
Facts about binge-eating disorder
Binge-eating disorder (BED) is the second most common eating disorder in the United States and is more common than HIV, breast cancer and schizophrenia.
Extreme or uncomfortable emotions are the most common trigger of binge-eating episodes.
BED typically arises in the late teens or early twenties in women and during midlife in men.
Nearly 1-in-10 BED patients also struggle with a substance use disorder, and alcohol is the most prevalent substance for these co-occurring disorders.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a binge-eating disorder, reach out for help today.
Bulimia eating disorder facts
Bulimia is rooted in compulsive habits. Someone who’s struggling with bulimia might also exercise compulsively or take typically healthy habits to an extreme.
While those struggling with anorexia and binge-eating disorder are commonly thought of to be overweight or particularly skinny, those struggling with bulimia often maintain an average weight.
Bulimia can lead to infertility problems, especially in women.
People struggling with bulimia are likely to engage in substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
Bulimia is associated with the highest suicide risk of any eating disorder.
If you suspect you or someone you love is struggling with bulimia, reach out for help today.
Seek professional help today
Seeds of Hope is a top-tier eating disorder clinic that offers locations throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. We treat a variety of eating disorders, including anorexia disorder, bulimia disorder, binge-eating disorder (BED), avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED).
We offer partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs for adults and teens, and every client receives specialized, personalized care through individualized treatment plans. Our full continuum of care includes a variety of supportive elements, including individual therapy and weekly meal support groups.
We know all of this might seem overwhelming right now, but this isn’t something you have to go through alone. Whether you’re ready to enroll in one of our programs or simply want some professional guidance for your recovery, we’re here to help.
Call us today to speak with one of our advisors.