31st January 2024

Epidemiology

The eating disorder charity BEAT estimates there are 725,000 people in the UK who suffer from an eating disorder (around 90% of patients are female, although the true percentage of male sufferers is likely 25% as many are undiagnosed). The most common disorder is Anorexia Nervosa, affecting around 15% of those who suffer an eating disorder. Most disorders start in childhood or adolescence and, if untreated, have a chronic course. There is a rough rule of thirds for treatment prognosis, 1/3 will make a full recovery, 1/3 will make a partial recovery, and 1/3 will not respond. All eating disorders, especially anorexia, have one of the highest mortality rates – not just from the physical health impact but also from suicide – up to 10-15%.