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.com now to speak with our intake coordinator.

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“We need more brave men like Andrew Walen speaking out about their eating disorders to break down some of the stigmas that are barriers to effective treatments. Fat bullying and shaming are harmful and often can lead to dieting and shame which can be triggers for an eating disorder in someone who is biologically predisposed.”

Becky Henry Founder, Hope Network for Eating Disorders Caregivers

“Your kind of work — both your content and your style — are much needed in the female-crowded world of eating disorder recovery. There needs to be a movement for the normalization of men with eating disorders just as there was for women with alcoholism. And I believe you are going to be an important part of bringing that about.”

Thom Rutledge Author of Embracing Fear, and co-author of Life Without Ed

“Mr. Walen tells the tale of his journey from shame and self-destruction to a caring, whole individual reaching out to others to help with their pain. His writing is clear, witty and engaging. Even if you don’t have an eating disorder, his story of courage and insight is inspirational.”

Dr. Elizabeth Winter Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medical School