Australia has world's highest rate of anorexia and bulimia
Australia has the highest rate of anorexia and bulimia in the world at 1,026.5 cases per 100,000 people.
A study published today in JAMA Psychiatry found about 18.1 million people worldwide have anorexia or bulimia as of 2023. Cases of the two disorders have surged 71 per cent since 1990.
Australia far outpaces every other country, surprising researchers who expected similar rates in the US and Western Europe. Nearly 70 per cent of global cases are female; about 41 per cent are in people aged 10 to 24.
Experts believe social media and body image pressure on young people may be driving the increase. Researchers forecast cases will keep growing through 2050.
- 1,026.5 per 100,000 people
- Australia's rate
- 71 percent since 1990
- Global increase
- 18.1 million as of 2023
- Worldwide cases
- JAMA Psychiatry
- Published in
Why it mattersAustralia's high eating disorder rate is concerning. Experts say more funding and treatment options are needed to prevent the numbers from rising further.
AustraliaMore than 1.1 million Australians experience an eating disorder each year, putting strain on healthcare, families and the need for early intervention.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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