When you’re walking through recovery from an eating disorder — whether you’re just beginning or have been at it for a while — it’s easy to feel like every step forward should be perfect. Like every meal, every therapy session, every thought has to be “right.”

Yes, the rates of eating disorders differ across countries and regions, influenced by a complex mix of cultural, socioeconomic, genetic, and healthcare factors. But as awareness grows and research expands globally, we’re learning that eating disorders are not just a “Western problem.” They affect people in every part of the world — though how they show up, get diagnosed, and are treated can vary widely.