Statistics on Eating Disorders

• Eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent throughout western countries. It is estimated that between five to ten million girls and women, and at least one million boys and men suffer from eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge
  eating, in the US (National Institute of Public Health)
• An estimated of 1 out of 100 American women binges and purges to lose weight. Roughly fifteen percent of American women and girls have significantly disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. Many studies also suggest that five to ten percent of people who struggle with anorexia or bulimia are males.
• An estimated 1 out of 3 of all dieters develop compulsive dieting attitudes and behaviors. Of these, one quarter will develop full or partial eating disorders.
• In addition, an estimated ten percent of female college students suffer from a clinical or sub-clinical eating disorder, of which over half suffer from bulimia nervosa.
• Each day Americans spend an average of $109 million on dieting and diet related products.
• Often as a result of guilt and consequent secretiveness of eating disorders, especially bulimia and binge-eating, it is likely many instances go unreported. Thus, a higher incidence of eating disorders is almost certain.

(All information from US Department of Health & Human Services)