Eating Disorders UK Statistics And Support Options
Eating disorders can affect individuals across the UK, including people of all age groups, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. While research shows that eating disorders tend to be quite common, they often go undiagnosed, sometimes due to misunderstanding and mislabeling. Even when they are treated, eating disorders can have a major impact on entire families as they seek to help a loved one with the recovery process. This article will explore eating disorder statistics for the UK and ways that individuals can find meaningful support on their recovery journeys.
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Eating disorders: UK statistics
According to Beat (formerly called the Eating Disorders Association), research suggests that at least 1.25 million people in the UK are experiencing an eating disorder. The exact prevalence of various eating disorders can be difficult to determine. Some estimates are based on previous UK studies or data from other countries. In addition, many cases may go unreported and untreated for various reasons, including stigma.
Data on stigma
Beat conducted a survey of 1,900 people and found the following data related to stigma and perception of eating disorders:
- Four in five have experienced misconceptions from others about their eating disorder.
- Four in five believed that greater public awareness would make them feel more comfortable to talk about their eating disorder.
- Two in three would not feel comfortable talking to a teacher about their eating disorder.
- Two in three would not feel comfortable talking to their line manager about their eating disorder.
- Two in three would not feel comfortable talking to a colleague about their eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia has the highest mortality rate, not only of any eating disorder but also of any psychiatric disorder. One study estimated that anorexia accounts for approximately 8% of eating disorder cases.
Anorexia nervosa is typically characterized by attempts to keep one’s weight as low as possible. Individuals may attempt to avoid weight gain by restricting food intake, exercising excessively, and vomiting or purging food with laxatives.
The following are some typical signs and symptoms of anorexia:
- Low weight and height for one’s age (for individuals under 18)
- A low body mass index or BMI (for adults)
- Avoidance of foods perceived as fattening
- Excessive thinking about food
- A perception of oneself as being overweight despite evidence to the contrary
- Lack of menstruation
- Dizziness
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
Bulimia nervosa
Research suggests that bulimia nervosa accounts for approximately 19% of eating disorders. Bulimia nervosa is typically characterized by binging or eating large quantities of food in a short time, such as two hours or less. This is often followed by purging via self-induced vomiting or laxative use. Alternatively, some people might fast or exercise excessively.
The following are some common symptoms of bulimia nervosa, but each case may look slightly different:
- Repeated binging followed by feelings of disgust or guilt
- Negative thoughts about body shape
- Specific eating rituals
- Self-induced vomiting
- Irregular menstruation
- Sore throat
Binge eating disorder
Research suggests that binge eating disorder accounts for approximately 22% of eating disorder cases. Binge eating disorder is typically characterized by eating a large quantity of food in a short period without compensatory behaviors. The following are some common signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder:
- Eating despite not feeling hungry
- Eating in secret or hiding food wrappers
- Storing large supplies of food
- Feeling ashamed or depressed after binging
Treatment for eating disorders
Eating disorder treatment often begins with medical care. Some eating disorders have higher rates of hospital admission than others, as more intense care may be needed when a person experiences serious malnutrition. With some disorders, individuals may require outpatient care and checkups with a physician. Treatment plans can vary considerably depending on the disorder, the severity of symptoms, and the presence of co-occurring physical or mental health conditions.
Support groups
For many people, a valuable part of the recovery process is participation in a support group. Some communities offer local support groups for specific eating disorders. For individuals who live in an area with few in-person options, Beat offers the following online eating disorder support groups:
- Nest: This group meets on Tuesdays at 6:45 PM and is available to anyone with any type of eating disorder.
- Swan: Swan meets on Mondays at 6:45 PM and is designed for anyone who has or believes they have anorexia.
- Kingfisher: This group gathers on Wednesdays at 6:45 and supports people who believe they might have bulimia as well as those who engage in purging.
- Hummingbird: The Hummingbird group meets on Thursdays at 6:45 PM and is open to anyone who has symptoms of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)—not just those with a diagnosis.
- Nightingale: Nightingale meets every Friday at 6:45 PM and serves individuals who have a diagnosis of binge eating disorder (BED), as well as those who believe they might have BED.
Mental health support
In addition to medical treatment and support groups, many people with an eating disorder benefit from speaking with a credentialed therapist. Eating disorders develop for numerous reasons, including factors related to mental health. A therapist may help a person identify and challenge inaccurate or false beliefs that may be contributing to disordered eating habits.
Online mental health support for eating disorders
Some people live in areas with few therapists who have extensive experience treating eating disorders. Other people may be hesitant to talk to a professional in person. In these cases, help is still available through online therapy. With BetterHelp, individuals can be matched with a therapist from a list of more than 5,000 mental health professionals all around the UK, which may make it easier to find someone with expertise in a specific eating disorder. Online therapy allows individuals to communicate with a therapist in a way that is comfortable for them, such as audio, video, or live chat.
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In addition to offering a large selection of therapists and flexible communication options, research supports online therapy as an effective form of treatment for numerous mental health conditions. One study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that online therapy was effective for treating eating disorders, with participants in online and in-person therapy showing similar results and satisfaction with care.
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What do eating disorders UK statistics show about prevalence?
Research suggests that one in 50 people experiences an eating disorder in the UK. However, researchers believe that many cases are undiagnosed or mislabeled, so even more people may be living with these conditions.
What is the success rate of eating disorder treatment?
One study on patients with an eating disorder states, “Approximately 50% will fully recover, 20%–30% will have a partial recovery, and the remainder will chronically struggle with their eating disorder.” Adhering to treatment often leads to better outcomes.
What causes anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other eating disorders?
Research suggests that people who have a family history of eating disorders may be more likely to develop them. However, having family members with an eating disorder doesn’t guarantee that a person will develop one. Alterations in brain chemicals and social and cultural ideas about food and body size may also play a role in the development of eating disorders.
What is the most common eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is believed to be more common than anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED). While eating disorders are often thought to affect young women, people of all genders and ages can develop eating disorders, including children and older adults.
What is the average duration of an eating disorder in the UK?
Research has been done in recent years to understand the average duration of untreated eating disorders (DUED) before seeking help. It suggests that the average DUED for anorexia nervosa is 29.9 months, with 53 months for bulimia nervosa and 67.4 months for binge eating disorder. Eating disorders typically do not resolve without treatment, and the long-term outcome is typically improved when a person is diagnosed and treated early in their life.
What age group do eating disorders affect the most?
Johns Hopkins Medicine shares information about the average age of onset for eating disorders. It indicates that 12–25 Is the age range during which a person is most likely to start showing signs of an eating disorder, though this type of illness can affect a person at any age.
What is the most responsible cause of eating disorders?
Eating disorders are thought to be caused by a complex combination of factors. For example, genetics, having type one diabetes, a history of dieting, cognitive inflexibility, perfectionism, and having another mental health condition can all be risk factors.
What is the best treatment for eating disorders?
The best treatment for eating disorders depends on the individual, their overall mental health, the type of eating disorder they have, and many other factors. For example, a teenager who is living with anorexia nervosa may need a different approach than an older adult male who has developed binge eating disorder. In general, however, treatment consists of some form of talk therapy along with nutrition therapy or counseling. Some people may also benefit from intensive inpatient treatment.
What is the most effective treatment for eating disorders?
The most effective treatment for eating disorders is usually some form of talk therapy. However, each person and situation is different, so the most effective treatment is generally the one that is customized to their needs.
What percentage of people recover from an eating disorder?
Whether a person recovers from an eating disorder and how long it takes depends on many factors. According to one study, 31.4% of participants with anorexia nervosa and 68.2% with bulimia nervosa recovered. Research on this topic stresses the importance of early intervention for improving long-term outcomes like these.
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