Eating Disorders: Key Statistics and Risks

An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe calorie restriction, leading to significantly low body weight.

An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, or excessive exercise to compensate for the binges.

An eating disorder involving recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterized by a feeling of losing control during the binge and eating an excessive amount of food in a short period.

An eating disorder characterized by persistent avoidance or restriction of food intake, leading to significant weight loss, failure to gain weight, nutritional deficiencies, or dependence on supplemental feeding. This avoidance may stem from sensory issues, fear of adverse consequences, or lack of interest.

A proposed eating disorder characterized by an obsessive focus on healthy eating, often to the exclusion of other aspects of life, and resulting in restrictive diets that can lead to malnutrition.

Refers to the prevalence of eating disorders in a given population. It helps understand how common these disorders are and identify potential groups at risk.

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. These can include genetic predisposition, cultural pressures, family dynamics, and personal experiences.

Different theoretical perspectives explaining the causes of eating disorders. This includes biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors.

Treatments and interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with eating disorders. This includes therapy, medication, nutrition counseling, and support groups.

Future research directions and advancements in understanding and managing eating disorders. This includes exploring new treatments, understanding underlying mechanisms, and promoting prevention strategies.

The percentage of young females who have experienced a DSM-5-defined eating disorder by early adulthood in Western countries.

The percentage of young males who have experienced a DSM-5-defined eating disorder by early adulthood in Western countries.

A strong genetic predisposition has been observed for eating disorders.

Individuals with a parent who has a history of an eating disorder are over twice as likely to develop an eating disorder themselves.

The gut microbiota and autoimmune reactions can contribute to the development of eating disorders.

Socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, body image, and social influence are all risk factors for developing an eating disorder.

Exposure to high levels of cortisol in the womb due to maternal stress has been linked to the later development of eating disorders.

Studies show that individuals born prematurely have a higher risk of developing eating disorders, potentially due to brain alterations related to incomplete development.

Children are more likely to develop eating disorders if their parents exhibit traits associated with EDs, such as a strong desire to be thin and a focus on perfection.

Individuals with anorexia or bulimia often report feeling emotionally distant before the onset of their eating disorder.

Research suggests that higher weight during childhood can increase the risk of developing an ED in later life, even in culturally diverse populations and males.

A parent's perception of their child as overweight might be a stronger predictor of ED development than the child's actual weight.

Evidence suggests that emotional abuse is strongly related to binge eating and purging behaviors in women, while sexual abuse and physical neglect are linked to ED symptoms in men.

While many believe EDs are more prevalent among wealthier groups, research shows that disordered eating occurs across all income levels and employment statuses.

The idea that being repeatedly treated as an object, especially in relation to one's body, can contribute to body image issues and eating disorders.

A type of eating disorder characterized by excessive exercise and a restrictive diet, often found in athletes.

The idea that society often promotes thinness, especially for women, which can contribute to eating disorder development.

Excessive exercise may be a sign of an eating disorder, especially in women.

Women experiencing excessive exercise are 2.5 times more likely to have an eating disorder.

Exposure to thin ideal images can have a greater impact on those already at risk for developing eating disorders.

Eating disorders can be more prevalent in elite athletes, with a high percentage showing significant symptoms.

Activities that encourage restrictive diets and low body fat can contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorder symptoms.

A model of treatment for Anorexia Nervosa focusing on enhancing motivation for change, challenging negative self-beliefs, and addressing interpersonal maintenance factors.

A therapy model for eating disorders grounded in attachment theory, addressing the idea that eating disorder symptoms are tied to unmet attachment needs and negative social evaluation.

Self-rewarding strategies for positive behavioral changes, aiming to reinforce desired actions and encourage progress toward recovery.

Actively challenging negative self-beliefs by questioning their validity and logic, conducting behavioral experiments to test their truthfulness.

Addressing the influence of family relationships on eating disorder recovery, including identifying unhelpful behaviors and involving loved ones in the therapeutic process.

A self-directed method for testing the validity of negative thoughts by carrying out actions that challenge their truthfulness.

Understanding the factors that contribute to eating disorders, particularly the interplay of psychological, social, cultural, and environmental influences.

The negative impact of social media on body image, which can lead to eating disorders and mental health issues, by promoting unrealistic beauty standards and fostering unhealthy comparisons.

A cognitive model explaining the development and maintenance of bulimia nervosa, highlighting negative thoughts, emotional regulation, and maladaptive beliefs about eating.

A model suggesting that predispositions like anxiety and OCD, along with the disorder's impact on relationships, contribute to the maintenance of anorexia nervosa.

A model proposing that social difficulties and low self-esteem lead to negative emotions, which are then coped with through binge eating in binge eating disorder.

A group-based online intervention program designed to help teenage girls improve body image and address eating concerns, including online support and facilitated discussions.

A therapeutic approach using cognitive behavioral techniques to help individuals overcome bulimia nervosa, focusing on identifying and challenging negative thoughts, developing coping strategies, and preventing relapse.

An approach used to treat eating disorders that combines cognitive behavioral therapy with an emphasis on identifying underlying psychological and relational factors contributing to the disorder.

A type of psychotherapy that aims to improve interpersonal relationships and social functioning by identifying and addressing problematic patterns of interaction.

An approach to treating eating disorders that combines aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, focusing on both thoughts and behaviors as well as relationships and social functioning.

A therapeutic model that emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying psychological and relational factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorders.

A treatment approach that acknowledges the role of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships in the development and maintenance of eating disorders, involving family members in the treatment process.