Five percent of American women struggle with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa at some point in their lives.  (23)




Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are serious illnesses that call for professional medical and mental health treatment. (30)




Disordered eating and body image issues occur in people from diverse racial and ethnic groups. (1, 17)




About 90% of individuals with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa (25) and about 60% of those with binge eating disorders (41) are female.




A young woman with anorexia is 12 times more likely to die than women her age without anorexia.  (27)




Thirteen percent of young women have substantially disordered eating behaviors.  (32)




About half of those with anorexia or bulimia have a full recovery, 30% have a partial recovery, and 20% have no substantial improvement.  (1)




Eating disorders often occur with other psychiatric illnesses, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, impulse control disorders, substance abuse disorders.  (23)

Findings

In a study of fourth-graders, 20% reported skipping breakfast and/or lunch at least three times per week. (18)




A recent study of seventh and tenth graders showed a decrease in body satisfaction and an increase in depression associated with viewing magazine images of idealized females. (14)




A study of 2,516 adolescents revealed that those who were teased about their weight were at higher risk of developing disordered eating behaviors than those who were not teased. (19)




In a study of 220 women treated for bulimia with either cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy, early change in the frequency of purging was the best predictor of response to treatment. (15)




Participation in sports in which body size and shape are a factor in performance is associated with unhealthy weight control practices and steroid use in adolescents. (44)

Click for references to Facts & Findings.