Eating Disorder Statistics

Eating disorder statistics show that anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder are more common than many people realize. Most people have heard something about eating disorders but many are shocked by the actual statistics for eating disorders. Here are some eating disorder statistics that may surprise you.

Statistics for Eating Disorders Prevalence

• According to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, about eight million Americans suffer from eating disorders. Some sources suggest the number is actually closer to 11 million.
• Ten to 15 percent of people with eating disorders are male.
• Men are more likely to suffer from binge eating disorder than from anorexia or bulimia. They account for 40 percent of all people with binge eating disorder.
• Girls aged 15 to 24 are at highest risk for eating disorders but these disorders can affect men and women of any age.
• About 11 percent of all high school students suffer from an eating disorder.
• About 19 percent of college aged women in America suffer from bulimia.
• Bulimia is more common than anorexia. As many as three out of every 100 women in America suffer from bulimia, while only about one in 200 women suffer from anorexia.
• According to eating disorder statistics from the National Eating Disorders Association, the incidence of eating disorders has increased significantly in recent years.

Statistics for Eating Disorders Mortality Rates

• As much as 10 percent of all people with anorexia die within 10 years of the onset of their disorder.
• About 20 percent of all people with anorexia die within 20 years of the onset of their disorder.
• Statistics for eating disorders show that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
• People with eating disorders may die from medical complications like heart failure, kidney failure or malnutrition. They may also commit suicide.

Eating Disorder Statistics About Treatment

• Only 10 percent of all people with eating disorders receive the treatment they need.
• Of those that do get the appropriate treatment, only about 60 percent make a full recovery.
• Without treatment, about 20 percent of people with eating disorders die from their conditions. Some die even with treatment.
• Inpatient treatment for eating disorders costs about $30,000 per month and people often need three to six months of inpatient treatment, followed by months of outpatient care. Sometimes health insurance pays part of the cost but it very rarely covers everything.
• Eating disorder statistics also indicate that for treatment to be effective, it must consist of several components including medical care, psychiatric medication if needed, psychological counseling and nutritional counseling. Unfortunately, the National Eating Disorders Association reports that most people with eating disorders do not receive adequate treatment.

Prevention

If you’re horrified by these statistics for eating disorders, you should know there are some things you can do.

If you have children, raise them with realistic body images and expectations about their appearances and weights. Discourage dieting, because statistics show that people that diet regularly are much more like to develop eating disorders than those that do not diet. Encourage self-esteem in your children.

If your children show signs of developing an eating disorder, seek help right away. Seek help for yourself right away if you think you might be developing an eating disorder, too. Early intervention can prevent some of the more serious medical complications of eating disorders.

If you or someone you know needs treatment for an eating disorder, make sure the treatment provided is adequate. Look for a treatment center that provides medical care, mental health care and nutritional counseling. Be prepared to battle your insurance company for coverage.