Eating Disorders Facts and Statistics
Eating disorders involve extreme attitudes and behaviors towards food and weight. They are widespread in the U.S., and they are growing more common in younger and older populations and in men. If you or someone you love suffers from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating or a body image disorder, please seek help. Early intervention makes a difference, and failing to take action can have life-threatening consequences.
- 30-50% of ED patients suffered depression and/or anxiety prior to the ED
- About 1 in 3 ED patients suffered previous obsessive compulsive symptoms
- 89% of girls have dieted by age 17
- 15% of young women have disordered eating
- 42% of girls in grades 1-3 want to lose weight
- 45% of boys and girls in grades 3-6 want to be thinner
- 51% of 9 and 10 year old girls say they feel better about themselves when they are dieting
- 81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat
- 9% of nine year olds have vomited to lose weight
- The rate of death for women with ED is 12 times higher than other women of similar ages
- About 1,000 women die each year from ED due to malnutrition, heart attack and suicide
Causes of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia or binge eating stem from a variety of causes, including:
- Dieting to look better
- Major life transitions like puberty, entering high school or college or major losses or trauma
- Family problems
- Social difficulties like teasing, bullying or ridicule
- Fear of failure or a need to be perfect (often related to dieting)
- Traumatic events like sexual and physical abuse
- Other psychiatric illnesses like depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit disorder (ADHD)
- Personality traits like low self-esteem, difficulty with change, fear of feeling out of control
Call (877) 674-2843 or email info@thebodyimagecenter.comm now to speak with our intake coordinator.