The Incidence and Prevalence of Eating Disorders Between 1975 and 2024: A Commentary on Lee and Chi (2025)

Int J Eat Disord. 2025 Jul 2. doi: 10.1002/eat.24495. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Over the past five decades (1975-2024), research on eating disorders (EDs) has expanded significantly, as evidenced by the bibliometric analysis by Lee and Chi (2025). This growth reflects heightened public and academic interest, likely influenced by several key developments in the classification and epidemiology of EDs. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders has progressively included more ED diagnoses, such as bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder (BED), and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) between 1975 and 2024. Recognition of EDs among males and older individuals has improved, although these groups remain underrepresented in clinical settings and in research. Global studies indicate rising ED prevalence in Asian countries. While anorexia nervosa remains relatively rare in Latin America and Africa, bulimia nervosa and BED are also common disorders on these continents. Epidemiological data in the Netherlands suggest that, overall, ED incidence has not increased between 1975 and 2024; however, a notable exception is the significant increase in anorexia nervosa among 10- to 14-year-old girls. Emerging evidence indicates that since the onset of and during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a global rise in reported cases of EDs.

PMID:40605392 | DOI:10.1002/eat.24495