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The Adolescent Eating Disorders
Program
Prevalence
In the United States, an estimated 5-10 million women suffer from eating
disorders. Estimates on Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are around 6%
of the total population, while college-age women are estimated to suffer
between 19% and 30%. Estimates of 0.5% of women suffer from Anorexia, 2.5%
suffer from Bulimia Nervosa, and anywhere between 3-30% in various studies
have partial syndrome or an Eating Disorder NOS diagnosis. Approximately 90%
of those who experience eating disorders are women. According to the
American Anorexia and Bulimia Association, approximately 1000 females die as
a result of anorexia each year, with the United States believed to be the
nation with the highest incidence of eating disorders. According to a 1998
American Medical Association report, eating disorders ranked as the third
most common illness among adolescent U.S. females.
Even among people who do not fit clinical diagnoses of eating disorders,
weight issues and body dissatisfaction are widespread. 4 out of 5 women
report dissatisfaction with their appearance, while approximately 75% of
women report thinking they are too fat. One study reported 89% of
respondents, male and female, expressing a desire to lose weight. Half of
all American women are on a diet on any given day. 63% of high school girls
and 16% of boys report dieting in order to lose weight.
Return to Adolescent Eating
Disorders Program Home
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Department of Pediatrics
Arkansas Children's Hospital
800 Marshall Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
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