The Skinny on Eating Disorders

Below I have listed a few statistics and facts about eating disorders. The most common eating disorders are Anorexia and Bulimia.

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By definition:

Anorexia Nervosa: A psychophysiological disorder usually occurring in young women that is characterized by an abnormal fear of becoming obese, a distorted self-image, a persistent unwillingness to eat, and severe weight loss. It is often accompanied by self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, malnutrition, amenorrhea, and other physiological changes.


Bulimia: An eating disorder, common especially among young women of normal or nearly normal weight, that is characterized by episodic binge eating and followed by feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation. It is often associated with measures taken to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives.




About 1% of female adolescents have anorexia.

The mortality rate for anorexia is higher than any other psychological disorder.

Approximately 4% of college-aged women are bulimic.

90% of anorexia and bulimia sufferers are female.


A study in Drugs and Therapy Perspectives reports that 1% of women in the US have binge-eating disorder..

Approximately 70 million people worldwide have an eating disorder.



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