National Eating Disorder Statistics (U.S.)

Prevalence

• 28.8 million Americans (about 9% of the U.S. population) will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.
  (Hudson et al., 2007; Deloitte Access Economics, 2020)

• Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are the most common clinical diagnoses, but many more experience subclinical disordered eating.

• Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, affecting about 3.5% of women and 2% of men in their lifetime.
  (Hudson et al., 2007)

• Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness.
  (Arcelus et al., 2011)

Demographics

• Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, races, and body sizes.

By Gender:

• Women and girls are more commonly diagnosed, but one-third of those with eating disorders are male.

• Men are less likely to seek treatment due to stigma and underdiagnosis.

By Age:

• Eating disorders often begin during adolescence and young adulthood, but cases are increasing in both children and older adults.

By Race & Ethnicity:

• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are just as likely (or more likely) to experience eating disorders but less likely to be diagnosed or receive treatment.
  (Goeree et al., 2006; Becker et al., 2003)

Mortality

• The crude mortality rate for anorexia nervosa is estimated at 5.9%.
  (Arcelus et al., 2011)

• Suicide is a leading cause of death among individuals with eating disorders.

Comorbidity

• Mood disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety) affect up to 94% of individuals with eating disorders.

• Substance use disorders co-occur in approximately 25–50% of cases.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and PTSD are also common.

Treatment Gaps

• Only 1 in 3 people with an eating disorder ever receive treatment.
  (Hart et al., 2011)

• Treatment access is limited by cost, stigma, insurance coverage, and lack of provider training.

• Full recovery is possible, especially with early, evidence-based intervention.

Key Takeaways

• Eating disorders are common, serious, and treatable.

• They affect people across all demographics—not just thin, white, young women.

• Stigma, systemic inequities, and treatment inaccessibility are major barriers to care.

• Education, early intervention, and compassionate support can save lives.

References

• Hudson, J. I., et al. (2007). The Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348–358.

• Arcelus, J., et al. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: a meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724–731.

• Hart, L. M., et al. (2011). Unmet need for treatment in the eating disorders: A systematic review of eating disorder-specific treatment seeking among community cases. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(5), 727–735.

• Becker, A. E., et al. (2003). Eating disorders in ethnic minorities: A review of the literature. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 33(4), 352–365.

• Deloitte Access Economics. (2020). The Social and Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in the United States of America.