- Calls to this hotline are currently being directed to Within Health, Fay or Eating Disorder Solutions
- Representatives are standing by 24/7 to help answer your questions
- All calls are confidential and HIPAA compliant
- There is no obligation or cost to call
- Eating Disorder Hope does not receive any commissions or fees dependent upon which provider you select
- Additional treatment providers are located on our directory or samhsa.gov
International Prevalence of BED
Binge eating disorder (BED) has been gaining more attention as a serious mental health condition since its inclusion in the 2013 update of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Also, the international prevalence of BED is on the rise.
Prior to this update, BED fell under the label of Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS), which is now referred to as Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED).
While there is a great need for more research regarding all eating disorders, there is especially a need for research relating to the international prevalence of BED and effective treatment modalities.
BED in the United States
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) reports that BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States.
According to a 2007 study [1], as many as 3.5% of females and 2 percent of males in the U.S. struggle with BED, which is characterized by high quantities of food intake during a short period of time. This is different than bulimia nervosa in that there is no form of purging following binge episodes.
A 2011 study [2] on the prevalence of eating disorders in youth found that BED affects as many as 1.6% of adolescents nationwide.
With the national focus on childhood obesity in the U.S., diets and weight management tools are being implemented at younger ages than ever before.
While there are many factors that contribute to binge eating, these attitudes can contribute to the development of a disordered relationship with food.
Binge eating in other countries
Though there is little existing data on the prevalence of eating disorders internationally, many countries and regions provide resources to help those struggling with BED. Its inclusion in the DSM-5 has made resources more available and increased international awareness.
The National Centre for Eating Disorders (NCED) reports that nearly 12 million people in the United Kingdom struggle with some form of compulsive overeating.
There are other components necessary to meet the diagnostic criteria for BED, such as the extreme distress caused by related behaviors, but this suggests that BED is prevalent in the U.K.
The Australian government provides information and treatment referrals to those struggling with BED through the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC), an initiative of its Department of Health.
There are no existing numbers on the prevalence of BED in Australia or internationally, which highlights the need for further research in this field. Improved data can lead to greater awareness and effective treatment for BED.
References:
[1]: Hudson, J.I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H.G. et al. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biol.Psychiatry, 61, 348–358. [2]: Swanson SA, Crow SJ, Le Grange D, Swendsen J, Merikangas KR. (2011). Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Disorders in Adolescents: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011;68(7):714-723. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.22.About the Author:
Courtney Howard graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from San Diego State University, holds a paralegal certificate in Family Law, and is a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate.
After obtaining her certification as a life coach, Courtney launched Lionheart Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching in 2015 and continues to be a passionate advocate for awareness and recovery.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 28, 2019
Published March 8, 2016, on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
