Eating disorders can develop at any age, but risk is highest among 13-17 year olds, with around 25% of people with an eating disorder being male. However, estimates vary on general population prevalence.^1,3

The 2019 Health Survey for England, relying on self-reporting, found that 16% of adults aged 16 years or older (19% of women and 13% of men) screened positive for a possible eating disorder. This is a threefold increase since 2007 and is in line with international data.⁸

Figures suggested by charities range from 1.25 million people in the UK having an eating order to 2 million adults in England alone having a diagnosis, but with only 11,000 receiving NHS care.^9,10

Approximately 70% of people with eating disorders needing hospital treatment are adults with anorexia nervosa. NHS data indicates there were about 23,000 hospital admissions for eating disorders across all age ranges in the first 10 months of 2021, with waiting lists trebling after the pandemic started.^8,10