Prevalence and Incidence

· Prevalance of Anorexia Nervosa: estimated 0.1% adults (USSG); estimated 0.5 to 3.7 percent females (NIMH); 1% of adolescent girls (NWHIC)…. And rising.

· One study reported that prevalence rates of anorexia in Western countries are higher than they are in other parts of the world. Rates in women in Western countries ranged from 0.1% to 5.7%. In non-Western countries, the range was 0.46% to 3.2%. But the prevalence in non-Western countries seems to be on the rise.

· More females are diagnosed with anorexia than males. For every 15 females with eating disorders, there would be one male with similar problem; however more recently more males are being diagnosed.

· Anorexia is the 3rd most common disorder among adolescent females (obesity and asthma are 1 and 2). It is ten times more common than insulin dependent diabetes.

· 20% of anorexics who do not get treatment will die. Other complications include anemia, osteoporosis and ulcers.

· Average onset of anorexia is 17 years.

· Between 0.5 – 3.7% of adolescent and young adult women meet the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa.

· 7 new cases per 100,000 per annum in Australia.

· 40-60% of high school girls diet.

· 50% of girls aged 13 - 15yrs believe they are overweight.

· 80% of 13yr old girls have dieted. 40% of 9yr old girls have dieted.


If you’re interested, Dr. Hera Lukman from IMU has some interesting things to say at: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/6/24/nation/17817717&sec=nation