Number of People with Eating Disorders Worldwide Projected to Rise by 2050

The number of people suffering from eating disorders worldwide is expected to increase significantly over the coming decades, potentially reaching approximately 21.8 million by 2050. According to a study published in the American medical journal JAMA Psychiatry, approximately 18.1 million people worldwide were suffering from two eating disorders in 2023: anorexia nervosa, characterized by severe food restriction, and bulimia nervosa, which involves episodes of excessive eating followed by vomiting or other attempts to prevent weight gain. This figure was approximately 71 percent higher than in 1990.

The study estimates that if current trends continue, the number of people affected by these two disorders could rise to 21.8 million by 2050. This projection could help healthcare authorities estimate future treatment requirements and plan medical services accordingly. People with anorexia nervosa typically severely restrict their food intake and experience an intense fear of gaining weight. Meanwhile, those suffering from bulimia nervosa repeatedly consume excessive amounts of food and then resort to vomiting or other unhealthy methods to prevent weight gain. Both disorders can have serious consequences for physical and mental health. The researchers examined data from 204 countries and territories, drawing on multiple sources, including the Global Burden of Disease study, surveys, published research papers and mortality records.

According to the findings, approximately 14.2 million people were suffering from bulimia nervosa in 2023, while around 3.9 million had anorexia nervosa. Together, the two disorders accounted for approximately 3.8 million years of healthy life lost. This measure includes both the years lived with illness and the years lost due to premature death. The study also identified differences in the age groups most affected by the two disorders. Anorexia nervosa was found to be more common among adolescents aged 15 to 19, while bulimia nervosa was more prevalent among people aged 30 and above. Women accounted for approximately 70 percent of those affected by both disorders.

Regionally, the highest prevalence rates were recorded in Australia, New Zealand and Western Europe. Meanwhile, East and South Asia experienced significant increases in the prevalence of these disorders since 1990. According to the researchers, differences in prevalence across regions are important for healthcare planning. However, these variations may also be influenced by the availability of data. In some countries, a lack of surveys and specialized medical facilities makes it difficult to determine the actual number of people affected, particularly those whose symptoms remain undetected or who cannot access diagnosis and treatment.

The study emphasized that the projection of 21.8 million cases by 2050 is an estimate based on assumptions about future population growth and existing disease trends. It also clarified that the research covered only anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Therefore, the findings do not represent the full scale of all eating disorders or the overall future demand for treatment and healthcare services.