Eating disorders are characterised by severe disturbances in eating behaviour and body weight. They lead to multiple psychiatric and physical complications and comprise a major public health concern.
An AJCN most-cited systematic review published in 2019 aimed to provide an exhaustive view of the studies reporting the prevalence of various eating disorders published between 2000 and 2018.
Taking on a systematic review of this nature is complex. Eating disorder studies typically involve multiple biases, including low participation rates, selection bias and retrospective data collection. Studies also vary by diagnostic classifications, changes in classification over time, and method of determination (self-report vs face-to-face interview).
Despite the limitations, most recent studies revealed that eating disorders are highly prevalent worldwide, and have more than doubled from the 2000-2006 period to the 2013-2018 period (3.5% to 7.8%). The multiple biases have likely led to an underestimation of true prevalence.
EDANZ provides support, information and resources for carers of people with eating disorders as well as education for health professionals working with eating disorder patients.
You can also access the Eating Disorders: A Guide to Medical Care published by the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) Medical Care Standards Committee.
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