Facts

Eating Disorder Facts

In the US, one person will die every 52 minutes as the result of complications from an eating disorder
Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
Anorexia is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents
10-15% of people with anorexia are males
5-10% of individuals with anorexia die within 10 years of developing the disorder, and 18-20% die within 20 years.
11% of high school students suffer with an eating disorder
Eating disorder risk among US college students rose from 15% in 2013 to 28% in 2020/2021
High school and college wrestlers are 7-10 times more likely to develop bulimia nervosa than the average male
Athletes face intense pressure to excel, which puts them at higher risk for eating disorders—affecting 45% of female athletes and 19% of male athletes

Nearly half of all Americans know someone with an eating disorder
12% of adolescent girls have some form of eating disorder
Males represent about 30% of all people diagnosed with eating disorders
13% of women over the age of 50 engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors, including purging, excessive exercise, and laxative use
Over 60% of 3,000 surveyed women in the military had an eating disorder. In the Marine Corps alone, 97.5% met the criteria.
LGBTQ+ youth are 3x more likely to develop eating disorders compared to their heterosexual peers.
Only 1 in 10 people with an eating disorder receive treatment
Only 35-40% of people with anorexia nervosa or bulimia receive treatment
Inpatient treatment typically costs up to $60,000 for a 30-day program

What do you say to someone with an eating disorder?
We asked those currently struggling, and these were their responses.

What To Say

Offer to accompany the person to a therapy appointment. If the person is not in therapy, offer to set up an appointment and go with him/her.
Call or visit and ask how I’m doing. Just listen, don’t judge or give me unsolicited advice.
Honestly, just being supportive and loving would make a world of difference.
“I love you no matter what.”
“Do you want me to help problem solve or just listen right now?”
“Is there anything I can do to help you right now?”
I think just being THERE for the person is really important. For me I think a large part of getting better was having someone who simply loved me and supported me.
Giving compliments that have absolutely nothing to do with physical appearance.

What Not To Say

Resist any urges to talk about your diets. ED is not a diet.
Never criticize or shame the individual.
Don’t be a food monitor or insist the problem is just a matter of eating.
Don’t make comments like, “You’re not fat.” or “You’re too thin.” These comments redirect attention to body shape and weight, and these are not the true issues.
Never say, “I wish I had that problem. I need to lose weight.” Eating disorders are deadly and you wouldn’t want that problem any more than you would want cancer.