Binge-Eating Disorder Statistics

The Most Common Eating Disorder

Binge-eating disorder statistics are becoming better understood as more research creates consensus within the eating disorder research community. Here are some of the major statistics for binge-eating disorder.

Prevalence of Binge-Eating Disorder

Binge-eating disorder is the most common pattern of disordered eating. Lifetime prevalence rate estimates of binge-eating disorder (BED) range from 1 to 5% of the general population. One source suggests that 3% of the overall population currently has BED. In Australia, the estimate is 4%.

A large-scale national survey in 2007 found that 3.5% of women and 2% of men reported histories of binge-eating disorder.

Gender Difference in Binge-Eating Disorder

Based on the above prevalence data, about 65% of those with BED are women; 35% are men. Also, a June 2008 study reports that 3% of adolescent boys binge or purge at least once per week, compared to 10% of adolescent girls.

Increased Risk of Binge Eating from Dieting

Dieting raises the likelihood of binging: Among girls, frequent dieters are 12 times more likely to binge eat than those who don't diet. Also, it's estimated that 30% of those who pursue weight loss treatment have BED.

Cultural Influence

While white women and black women are equally likely to have binged in the last three months, more black women report multiple episodes of binge eating per week.