Probability of Developing an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders affect approximately 28.8 million Americans at some point in their lifetime, representing about 5% of the population. The major types include anorexia nervosa (0.6% lifetime prevalence), bulimia nervosa (1%), and binge eating disorder (2.8%, the most common). Eating disorders affect all demographics but are most commonly diagnosed in teenage girls and young women.

Risk factors include genetics (heritability estimated at 40-60%), perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, history of dieting, childhood trauma, participation in sports or activities emphasizing thinness (gymnastics, dance, modeling), and social media exposure to idealized body images. Males account for about 25% of eating disorder cases but are often underdiagnosed.

Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, at roughly 5-10% per decade of illness, with causes including starvation, cardiac arrest, and suicide. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach including nutritional rehabilitation, psychotherapy (CBT-E, family-based treatment for adolescents), and sometimes medication. Early intervention is critical, as the probability of full recovery decreases with longer duration of illness.