Global Eating Disorder Cases Could Reach 21.8 Million

ISLAMABAD: (News Desk) – The number of people worldwide living with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa could rise to 21.8 million by 2050 if current trends persist, according to a study published in the medical journal JAMA Psychiatry.

The research estimated that approximately 18.1 million people were affected by the two conditions in 2023, marking an increase of around 71 per cent compared with 1990.

Researchers said the projections could help governments and health authorities prepare for growing treatment demands and strengthen mental health services.

Bulimia Cases Outnumber Anorexia

According to the study, an estimated 14.2 million people were living with bulimia nervosa in 2023, compared with approximately 3.9 million affected by anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by severe food restriction, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body weight.

Bulimia nervosa involves repeated episodes of consuming unusually large quantities of food, followed by behaviours intended to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting or other harmful compensatory practices.

Both conditions can have serious and potentially life-threatening effects on physical and mental health.

Eating Disorders Caused 3.8 Million Years of Healthy Life Lost

The combined impact of anorexia and bulimia accounted for an estimated 3.8 million years of healthy life lost worldwide in 2023.

This measure, known as disability-adjusted life years, includes time spent living with illness as well as years lost due to premature death.

The study also identified differences in the age groups most affected. Anorexia nervosa was more prevalent among adolescents aged 15 to 19, while bulimia nervosa was more common among people aged 30 and above.

Women accounted for approximately 70 per cent of those affected by the two disorders.

Asia Records Rising Prevalence

Regional comparisons showed that Australia, New Zealand and western Europe had the highest prevalence rates of anorexia and bulimia.

However, eastern and southern Asia experienced notable increases in prevalence between 1990 and 2023.

Researchers analysed data from 204 countries and territories, drawing on the Global Burden of Disease study, surveys, published research and mortality records.

They cautioned that regional differences may partly reflect variations in healthcare access, specialist treatment facilities and the availability of reliable data. In countries with limited screening and treatment services, many cases may remain undiagnosed or unreported.

Researchers Caution Against Treating Projections as Certain

The projected figure of 21.8 million cases by 2050 is based on assumptions about future population growth and the continuation of existing disease trends. It should therefore be treated as an estimate rather than a certainty.

The study examined only anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and does not capture the full global burden of all eating disorders or the overall future demand for treatment.

Nevertheless, the findings highlight the need to improve early diagnosis, access to treatment and mental health services, particularly in regions experiencing rising prevalence and limited specialist support.