To update the prevalence of eating disorders in the general population before 2021 and to analyze the distribution characteristics at different times and in different regions and sexes, as well as the diagnostic criteria.
Abstract
Summary
The prevalence of eating disorders might be underestimated thus far. Not all types of EDs were included in a majority of epidemiological surveys, and the prevalence rates of the new types of EDs were significantly higher. Eating disorders were especially common in Western countries and in females. New diagnostic criteria should be used to comprehensively assess all types of eating disorders.
An update on the prevalence of eating disorders in the general population
Qian, J., Wu, Y., Liu, F. et al
Based on the method from a previous report by the authors, studies were identified from the following databases: PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, ISI Web of Knowledge, Ovid and the 4 most important Chinese databases. Articles in English and Chinese before 2021 were retrieved. The data retrieved at this time were pooled with the data from a previous report for analyses.
Methodology
Sample Size
33 studies were identified, which included 18 studies supplemented in this retrieval. The pooled lifetime and 12-month prevalence of eating disorders were 0.91% (95% CI, 0.48–1.71) and 0.43% (95% CI, 0.18–0.78), respectively. The pooled lifetime and 12-month prevalence of the subgroup EDs (any), which covers all types of eating disorders, were 1.69% and 0.72%, respectively. The lifetime prevalence of AN, BN and BED was 0.16% (95% CI, 0.06–0.31), 0.63% (95% CI, 0.33–1.02) and 1.53% (95% CI, 1.00–2.17), respectively. The lifetime prevalence of EDs in Western countries was 1.89%, and was high at 2.58% in females. Prevalence studies using DSM-5 criteria were scarce.
Conclusion
The prevalence of eating disorders may be underestimated thus far. A large number of previous epidemic studies did not include all types of eating disorders, whereas the prevalence in new types was apparently higher. The prevalence of eating disorders was high, especially in Western countries and in females. In addition, we should pay more attention to new types of eating disorders in males. In future epidemic investigations, new diagnostic criteria should be used more often to comprehensively evaluate all types of eating disorders.
URL
Eating disorders (EDs), Anorexia nervosa (AN), Bulimia nervosa (BN), Binge eating disorder (BED), Prevalence, General population
Key Words
Qian, Jie, et al. “An Update on the Prevalence of Eating Disorders in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, vol. 27, no. 2, Mar. 2022, pp. 415–28. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-021-01162-z.