4m

Approx. 4 million people in the UK are struggling with an eating disorder according to The Department of Health estimates.

1.25m

Approximately 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. Around 25% of those affected are male.

37%

37% of lesbian, gay and bisexual people say they would not feel confident seeking help about eating disorders from healthcare professionals compared to 24% of straight people.

52% 

Only 52% of people from minority ethnicities would feel confident asking for help about eating disorders from healthcare professionals - compared to 64% of white British people.

40% of girls& 26% boys

40% of girls & 26% boys show signs of body disturbance.

4/100 

About 4 out of every 100 women suffers from bulimia at some time in their lives.

under 18

Anorexia causes more deaths in those under 18 than any other psychological disorder

1/150 

One 15-year-old girl in every 150 experiences anorexia nervosa.

16% 

16% of adults show signs of Eating Disorders - according to recent research from the NHS Information Centre

8%

A 2017 study by Hay et al found that anorexia accounted for 8% of Eating Disorder cases.

1/1k

One 15-year-old boy in every 1000 experiences anorexia nervosa.

60%

In approximately 60% of the cases, symptoms of eating disorders are recognised under the age of 16.

11.4/100k

11.4 per 100,000 people annually show signs of bulimia nervosa.

Binge Eating Disorders are identified more often in males and at an older age. (Binge Eating disorder (BED) | Hay, 2014; NICE, 2017)

25%

25% of teenage girls say they have an eating disorder.

10-14

10-14 year old boys make up the highest rates of new cases.

1/3

1/3 of girls and nearly 1/4 boys place great importance on weight or shape

25%

25% of teenagers admit to using purging to try to control their weight.