Eating Disorder Treatment Center in Las Vegas, NV

Virtue Recovery Center in Las Vegas is the premier inpatient and outpatient eating disorder recovery treatment center. We offer a comprehensive spectrum of services tailored to individuals battling eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. Our treatment programs are designed with a deep understanding of the complexities associated with these conditions.

We provide personalized care plans that include medical and psychological treatment, ensuring that every aspect of the disorder is addressed. Our nutrition plans are a cornerstone of treatment, crafted by expert dietitians to restore physical health and promote sustainable eating habits. Whether you choose our immersive inpatient program for more structured support or the flexible outpatient services that allow for recovery in the context of daily life, our goal is to empower individuals on their journey to recovery and a healthier, balanced lifestyle.

Call 866-461-3339 or verify your insurance to get started today.

Our Accreditations

• The Joint Commission
• National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
• Better Business Bureau Accredited

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy and often dangerous relationships with food, eating, and body image. These disorders can manifest in various forms, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, each with its own set of behaviors and symptoms. Individuals with eating disorders may obsess over food, weight, or body shape, leading to restrictive eating, purging, or binge-eating episodes. These behaviors can have severe physical and psychological consequences, affecting every aspect of a person’s life. Eating disorders often stem from a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and cultural factors, and they require comprehensive treatment that addresses both the underlying emotional issues and the physical health of the individual.

What Eating Disorders Does Virtue Recovery Center Treat?

Here at Virtue Recovery Center in Las Vegas, our expert team is prepared to provide quality care for all eating disorders, including:

1. Anorexia Nervosa
2. Bulimia Nervosa
3. Binge Eating Disorder
4. Compulsive Overeating
5. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
6. Avoidant Food Restrictive Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Our Holistic Approach to Treatment

Our eating disorder program focuses on healing the mind-body disconnection through compassion, education, shame reduction, and understanding. Exploring the root causes such as:

1. Family dynamics
2. Societal influences
3. Traumatic experiences
4. Genetic predispositions

And other origins unique to the individual’s personal experience.

Nutritional Program

Virtue Recovery Center’s nutritional philosophy of “all foods fit” is the foundation of our dietary program that helps patients repair their relationship with food and their bodies. Our program supports and guides patients of all shapes and sizes through our weigh-inclusive approach. The goals of our nutritional program include the following:

1. Stabilizing eating patterns
2. Listening to their body’s cues and signals that have been silenced
3. Decreasing distress related to food and their body through exposure exercises
4. Ability to follow their meal plan outside of the structure of a residential setting
5. Increasing education to support the teaching of recovery and dispute cognitive distortions
6. Honoring their bodies’ wants and needs

Individualized care is our specialty!

Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is defined by severe food restriction and significant weight loss, which is usually associated with an intense fear of weight gain, even when being underweight. People with anorexia often have a distorted body image; they think that they are bigger than they are.

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Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating, which is consuming a large amount of food in a short period, and purging, which includes vomiting and using laxatives. Like anorexia, bulimia is characterized by an obsession with weight and body shape. The binge-purge cycle results in feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety that are associated with the eating disorder.

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Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is defined by the occurrence of ‘binges,’ which are episodes of eating a large amount of food in a short period. In these binges, there is a feeling of being out of control and unable to stop eating even when one feels that one has eaten enough. While the BED is similar to bulimia nervosa, the BED episodes are not followed by purging. However, people with BED may try to control their food intake after a binge and thus develop a pattern of restriction and binge eating.

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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is defined as the persistent avoidance or restriction of food or a significant decrease in food intake. This can look like a lack of interest in food, not wanting to eat specific items, or having a very negative reaction to food due to sensitivity, fear of choking, or past trauma. Consequently, ARFID may cause malnutrition, which may impact growth and development.

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Rumination Disorder

Rumination syndrome is a rare behavioral disorder that can be seen in children as well as some adults. It causes the passive expulsion of food that has been eaten recently. A person with rumination syndrome will eat a normal meal, and then after 10 to 15 minutes, food that has not been digested will be regurgitated into the mouth. This process may take 1 to 2 hours and may be done after every meal. The individual may chew the food again and swallow it, or he/she may spit it out. This is an involuntary action and not done purposely.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

OSFED is a category of eating disorders that cause substantial distress and impairment but do not fully meet the criteria for a particular eating disorder diagnosis.

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Dual Diagnosis Disorder

Dual diagnosis, in the context of eating disorders, refers to the presence of both an eating disorder and a co-occurring mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This combination can complicate treatment, as the two conditions often interact in ways that exacerbate each other. For instance, someone with an eating disorder may use substance abuse to cope with negative emotions, or their anxiety may fuel disordered eating behaviors. Effective treatment for dual diagnosis involves addressing both the eating disorder and the accompanying mental health issue simultaneously, often through a combination of therapy, medication, and holistic support. This integrated approach is essential for achieving long-term recovery and improving overall well-being.

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We Work with Most Insurance Providers

Virtue Recovery Center treatment centers work closely with most major insurance companies across the U.S. Our financial services staff will work with you and your insurance company to determine a financial plan to make treatment possible. Many insurance providers have deemed Virtue Recovery Center treatment centers “centers of excellence.” Virtue Recovery treatment centers are proud to be recognized by multiple insurance providers for our leadership, best practices, research, support, and training in the eating disorder treatment field. Accepted plans include Cigna, Humana, Magellan, MultiPlan, TriWest, Aetna, Anthem, and more. Verify your insurance here.

Related Mental Health Issues

Common co-morbidities associated with eating disorders are additional mental health conditions that frequently occur alongside disordered eating behaviors. These co-morbidities often include depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The presence of these conditions can intensify the severity of an eating disorder, making recovery more challenging. For example, anxiety and OCD can drive obsessive thoughts about food and body image, while depression can lead to a cycle of low self-esteem and disordered eating patterns. Substance abuse may be used as a coping mechanism, further complicating the individual’s health. Understanding and addressing these co-morbidities is crucial in treatment, as they can significantly impact both the development and persistence of eating disorders. Comprehensive treatment plans that target both the eating disorder and any co-occurring mental health issues are essential for effective and lasting recovery.

Integrated Treatment Approaches: Importance of addressing both eating disorders and related mental health issues.

Residential Treatment

This is the beauty of residential care. Many facilities throughout the United States offer eating disorder treatment for those suffering from this problem. Some offer a ranch-style setting. Others are simply a spacious homelike environment. Some resemble an institution-like setting, but the more the environment resembles “normal” life, the less the patient will resist recovery. The staff at Virtue Recovery is predictable and welcoming, and they feel like a healing family member with their supportive care and knowledge about navigating the difficulties of early recovery. Many staff have walked a similar path and can be a comfort during a difficult time of surrender.

Inpatient Eating Disorders Recovery Treatment

Inpatient eating disorders recovery treatment is a comprehensive, structured program that provides 24-hour care and support for individuals struggling with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. This type of treatment typically includes medical supervision, individual and group therapy, nutritional counseling, meal planning, family involvement, and various therapeutic activities. The goal of inpatient treatment is to stabilize the patient’s physical and mental health, address underlying issues related to the eating disorder, and provide tools for long-term recovery.

Outpatient Eating Disorders Recovery Treatment

Outpatient eating disorders recovery treatment is a flexible and less intensive program that allows individuals to receive support and therapy while living at home and maintaining daily responsibilities, such as work or school. This type of treatment typically includes regular individual and group therapy sessions, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring. The goal of outpatient treatment is to help patients develop healthy coping mechanisms, improve their relationship with food, and address underlying issues related to the eating disorder, all while allowing them to maintain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives.

Family Style Treatment

Let’s discuss the kind of therapy an individual would receive once accepted into a facility. Most facilities require that the patients living at the “home” live together in a “family style.” They share rooms, eat together, have social time, and even participate in outside events. All of this is intended to break through the isolation barrier that those with this disorder tend to develop and often cling to with great determination. The group atmosphere is one of the best aspects of residential care that leads to recovery. Groups are formed around everything from simply talking about the issues surrounding this to processing the pain, fear, and anger that precipitates an eating disorder.

Veteran Specific Eating Disorder Conditions

Eating disorders are not uncommon among Veterans and are frequently related to physiological and psychological consequences of service in the armed forces. Trauma, PTSD, and the stressful nature of military service can exacerbate bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorders. Armed forces culture is also a barrier, as military personnel are often encouraged not to seek assistance and thus, do not seek treatment when necessary. Physical service requirements and readjustment to civilian life may exacerbate body image concerns. Thus, treatment strategies for Veterans should be personalized and include trauma-sensitive care, linkage, and peer support to mental health services for comorbid conditions. Holistic approaches like CBT, nutritional intervention, and veterans’ support groups could assist in the management of the condition in the long run.

Eating Disorder Warning Signs & Symptoms (FAQ)

The warning signs and symptoms of eating disorders may differ with the type of eating disorder, but they include both physical and behavioral changes. Some symptoms are sudden change in weight, excessive thinking about food, calories, or body shape, and avoiding food or certain types of food. People may also have compulsive behaviors such as exercising excessively, going to the bathroom after meals, or using laxatives or diuretics. Some of the psychological symptoms include; anxiety or guilt when eating, avoiding social events and activities, and mood changes. Some symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, and gastrointestinal problems, while others are more severe and include hair loss, weakened immune system, and heart complications. Thus, it’s important to identify these signs early so that appropriate measures can be taken to avoid future complications.

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FAQs About Eating Disorder Treatment at Virtue Recovery

How common are eating disorders? Eating disorders affect nearly 30 million Americans during their lifetime, making them among the most common mental illnesses.

How are eating disorders treated? Treatment involves therapy, medical care, nutritional counseling, and often family involvement.

How long does eating disorder treatment take? It varies by individual, but residential stays often last 30–90 days, with ongoing outpatient care afterward.

Do you provide trauma-informed care? Yes — many eating disorders are rooted in trauma, and our programs prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment.

Does insurance cover eating disorder treatment? Most insurance plans cover treatment. We provide free verification to confirm your benefits.

Do you treat teens with eating disorders? Yes — though our Las Vegas program primarily treats adults, we have resources and referrals for adolescents.

Do you treat LGBTQ+ clients? Yes — our programs are affirming and inclusive for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Do clients have access to phones and internet? Access is limited and supervised to support recovery, but communication with family is maintained.

What should I pack for residential treatment? Bring comfortable clothing, personal care items, and any prescribed medications.

What makes Virtue Recovery Center different? We combine evidence-based therapy, holistic healing, trauma-informed care, and compassionate support in a safe, inclusive environment.

What does success in recovery look like? Success means freedom from obsessive food thoughts, improved health, and living a fuller life.

Can Eating Disorders and Addiction Be Treated at the Same Time?

Anorexia Nervosa — Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder where individuals restrict food intake, leading to extreme weight loss and an intense fear of gaining weight. It often involves a distorted body image and can cause severe health complications if untreated.

Bulimia Nervosa — Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. People with bulimia often struggle with shame and secrecy around their eating behaviors.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) — Binge eating disorder is characterized by regularly eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period while feeling a loss of control. Unlike bulimia, it does not typically involve purging behaviors, but it can lead to serious physical and emotional health challenges.

Orthorexia — Orthorexia refers to an unhealthy obsession with eating only “pure” or “clean” foods. While not officially recognized as a clinical diagnosis, it can significantly disrupt daily life and lead to malnutrition.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) — ARFID is an eating disorder where individuals limit the types or amounts of food they eat, not due to body image concerns but often from fear of choking, sensory sensitivities, or lack of interest in food. This can cause nutritional deficiencies and interfere with growth or overall health.

Body Dysmorphia — Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where individuals obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance. In the context of eating disorders, it often fuels unhealthy behaviors related to food and weight.

Purging — Purging is the act of trying to eliminate calories from the body through methods like vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of medications. It is a dangerous behavior that can cause long-term health damage, including electrolyte imbalances and heart complications.

Restrictive Eating — Restrictive eating means severely limiting food intake, often tied to weight loss goals or fear of certain foods. Over time, this pattern can cause malnutrition, fatigue, and serious medical risks.

Co-Occurring Disorders — Co-occurring disorders describe when an eating disorder exists alongside another mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Treating both conditions together is essential for lasting recovery.

Residential Treatment — Residential treatment is a structured, live-in program where individuals receive 24/7 care for eating disorders. It combines medical supervision, therapy, and nutritional support in a safe and supportive environment.

Virtue Recovery’s Therapy Treatments

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — CBT helps clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that fuel addiction or eating disorders, replacing them with healthier coping strategies.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) — DBT teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills, supporting recovery for individuals struggling with substance use and eating disorders.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI) — MI is a client-centered approach that helps individuals explore and strengthen their own motivation for positive change, making it a powerful tool in eating disorder and addiction recovery.
• Psychoeducation Group Therapy — These groups provide education on addiction, mental health, and recovery strategies, empowering clients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain long-term wellness.
• Process Group Therapy — In process groups, clients share experiences and gain support while exploring emotions and behaviors in a safe, therapeutic environment that fosters healing and connection.
• Meditation Therapy — Meditation promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional balance, helping clients manage cravings, anxiety, and triggers throughout recovery.
• Music Therapy — Music therapy uses rhythm, lyrics, and sound to promote self-expression, reduce stress, and support emotional healing in addiction and eating disorder recovery.
• Yoga Therapy — Yoga integrates breathwork, movement, and mindfulness to strengthen the mind-body connection, reduce stress, and support physical and emotional recovery.
• Art Therapy — Through creative expression, art therapy allows clients to process complex emotions, reduce anxiety, and explore nonverbal ways of healing during treatment.
• Family Therapy — Family therapy helps rebuild trust, improve communication, and engage loved ones in the recovery process.
• Therapy & Counseling — Counseling provides a safe, supportive space to address the root causes of addiction and eating disorders through personalized, evidence-based therapy.
• Relapse Prevention Therapy — This therapy teaches clients how to recognize triggers, manage cravings, and maintain long-term recovery from addiction and eating disorders.
• 12-Step Group Therapy — Rooted in the proven 12-Step model, these groups provide structure, accountability, and peer support to guide clients toward long-term sobriety.

Virtue Recovery’s Eating Disorder Treatments

• Anorexia Nervosa — Evidence-based treatment to restore health and overcome restrictive eating and body image struggles.
• Bulimia Nervosa — Compassionate care to break the cycle of bingeing, purging, and harmful eating behaviors.
• Orthorexia Nervosa — Specialized treatment to heal the obsession with “clean” or “pure” eating.
• Binge Eating — Comprehensive therapy to address compulsive overeating and build a healthier relationship with food.
• Compulsive Overeating — Supportive programs to reduce emotional overeating and promote long-term recovery.
• Rumination Disorder — Targeted treatment for chronic regurgitation and re-chewing behaviors.
• OSFED — Personalized care for complex eating disorder symptoms that don’t fit one category.
• ARFID — Treatment designed to help overcome restrictive eating and food avoidance.
• UFED — Compassionate support for eating disorder symptoms that don’t meet specific diagnostic criteria.
• Laxative Abuse — Safe, effective treatment for laxative misuse and its physical and emotional consequences.
• Diabulimia — Integrated care for individuals with Type 1 diabetes who struggle with insulin restriction and eating disorder behaviors.
• Body Dysmorphia — Holistic treatment to address obsessive thoughts and behaviors about perceived physical flaws.

Eating Disorder Statistics

General Eating Disorder Statistics

• An estimated 9% of the U.S. population, or 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.
• 15% of women will suffer from an eating disorder by their 40s or 50s, but only 27% receive any treatment for it.
• Fewer than 6% of people with eating disorders are medically diagnosed as “underweight.” People in larger bodies are at the highest risk of having developed an eating disorder in their lives, and among people in larger bodies, the higher the BMI, the higher the risk.
• In a sample from an American emergency room, 16% of adult patients screened positive for an eating disorder.
• Anorexia nervosa has the highest case mortality rate and second-highest crude mortality rate of any mental illness.
• 10,200 deaths each year are the direct result of an eating disorder — that’s one death every 52 minutes.
• Eating disorder sufferers with the highest symptom severity are 11 times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers without eating disorder symptoms, and even those with sub-threshold symptoms are 2 times more likely. Patients with anorexia have a risk of suicide 18 times higher than those without an eating disorder.
• The economic cost of eating disorders is $64.7 billion every year.

BIPOC Eating Disorder Statistics

• While BIPOC people are affected by eating disorders at similar rates overall as their white peers, they are about half as likely to be diagnosed.
• BIPOC patients with eating and weight concerns are significantly less likely to be asked about eating disorder symptoms by their doctors than are non-minority patients.
• When therapists were presented with descriptions of a fictional patient — identical except for race — they were less likely to recognize eating disorder symptoms in the Black and Hispanic patient compared to the white patient.
• In a study of adolescents age 11 to 25 who were suffering malnutrition from an eating disorder, only 40% received the recommended treatment, and patients who used public insurance were only one third as likely to receive the recommended mental health treatment as youth with private insurance. Latinx patients were about half as likely to receive the necessary treatment as their white peers.
• Asian American college students report higher rates of restriction compared with their white peers and higher rates of purging, muscle building, and cognitive restraint than their white or non-Asian BIPOC peers.
• Asian American college students report higher levels of body dissatisfaction and negative attitudes toward obesity than their non-Asian BIPOC peers.

LGBTQ+ Eating Disorder Statistics

• Members of the LGBTQ+ community are at a higher risk of having an eating disorder than heterosexual people. Overall, LGBTQ+ youth are three times more likely to have an eating disorder when compared to their straight peers, with homosexual and bisexual girls at 2.5 times and homosexual and bisexual boys at 6 times higher rates.
• About 1 in 3 sexual minority teenagers say they engaged in dangerous weight control behaviors within the past month. Gay and bisexual boys are four times more likely, and lesbian and bisexual girls are twice as likely, to do so than their heterosexual peers.
• About 75% of transgender college students with eating disorders attempt suicide.
• Transgender college students are diagnosed with eating disorders at four times the rate of their cisgender classmates.
• 32% of transgender people report using their eating disorder to modify their body without hormones. Even so, 56% of transgender people with eating disorders believe their disorder is not related to their physical body.

Co-Occurring Conditions Eating Disorder Statistics

• Over 70% of people with eating disorders also have other conditions, most commonly anxiety and mood disorders.
• People with disabilities may have body image concerns related to their disability that lead to developing and sustaining an eating disorder.
• People with diet-related chronic conditions — like diabetes and irritable bowel disease — may be at a higher risk of disordered eating.
• In a study, girls with type 1 diabetes aged 9–13 were evaluated for 14 years, and by the time they were in their 20s, 40.8% met criteria for a full- or sub-threshold eating disorder, and 59.2% took part in dangerous disordered eating behavior.
• Eating disorders in people with type 1 diabetes are associated with a significantly higher risk of severe medical complications, including more frequent and longer hospitalizations, and a greater risk of ketoacidosis and retinopathy.
• People with eating disorders typically have between one and four other psychiatric disorders. The majority of adolescents with eating disorders have at least one other psychiatric disorder, ranging from a low of 55% for anorexia to a high of 88% for bulimia.
• Between 13 to 58% of ARFID patients also have Autism Spectrum Disorder. In a study of children with ASD and severe food limitations, 78% ate a diet that put them at risk for five or more nutritional deficiencies.
• Between 6 and 17% of eating disorder patients also have ADHD.
• Girls with ADHD are 3.6 times more likely to have an eating disorder in general and 5.6 times more likely to have bulimia in particular.
• Between 10 and 35% of patients with eating disorders have OCD unrelated to the eating disorder.

People in Larger Bodies Eating Disorder Statistics

• In a study of college and university students, just 2% of those who met criteria for eating disorders were “underweight.”
• For the overall populace, the figure is usually estimated to be less than 6%.
• People in larger bodies are at higher risk of using unhealthy weight control behaviors.
• About 40% of “overweight” girls and 20% of “overweight” boys use disordered eating behaviors.
• Patients meeting the standard diagnostic criteria for anorexia were 14 times more likely to receive the recommended treatment than those with atypical anorexia.
• Among those who experience weight stigma, two-thirds were stigmatized by doctors, leading many to avoid seeking healthcare.
• People who experience weight discrimination are 60% more likely to die.

Athletes Eating Disorder Statistics

• Athletes report higher rates of excessive exercise than non-athletes.
• Female athletes are twice as likely to engage in eating disorder behavior than male athletes; however, both men (77%) and women (80%) participating in weight-dependent sports report using compensatory behaviors.
• Eating disorders may be particularly hard to detect among athletes due in part to secretive behavior and because disordered eating is sometimes normalized in athletic culture.
• Binge eating disorder is the most prevalent eating disorder among male athletes.
• Athletes in aesthetic sports — such as gymnastics, figure skating, and dance — face a higher risk of developing eating disorders than those in non-aesthetic sports.

Veterans Eating Disorder Statistics

• In a study of military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan, an estimated 32.8% of female and 18.8% of male veterans showed signs of probable eating disorders, highest being atypical anorexia nervosa (13.6% of women and 4.9% of men), bulimia nervosa (6.1% of women and 3.5% of men), and binge-eating disorder (4.4% of women and 2.9% of men).
• Trauma, PTSD, and the stressful nature of military service can exacerbate eating disorders among veterans.
• Armed forces culture may be a barrier to treatment, as military personnel are often encouraged not to seek assistance.

Children & Young Adults Eating Disorder Statistics

• A 2023 study revealed a 93% increase in eating disorder-related medical visits by youth.
• At age 6 to 10, girls start to worry about their weight, and by age 14, 60 to 70% are trying to lose weight.
• A survey found that 77% of children and adolescents as young as 12 dislike their bodies, and 45% say they are regularly bullied about how they look.
• Girls who were teased about their weight were two times more likely to be “overweight,” 1.5 times more likely to binge eat, and 1.5 times more likely to use extreme methods of weight control five years later.
• Up to 22% of children and adolescents struggle with disordered eating.
• The proportion of people with eating disorders who were hospitalized doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Male Eating Disorder Statistics

• A 2023 review noted the rates of eating disorders in men ranged from 0.74 to 2.2%.
• Men accounted for 25% of diagnosed eating disorder cases in research, underscoring the need to broaden understanding beyond traditional gender norms.
• Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder among men.
• Men are less likely to seek treatment for eating disorders due to stigma and the misconception that eating disorders are a “female” condition.

Older Adult Eating Disorder Statistics

• Eating disorders are not limited to young people — they occur across the lifespan, including in adults over 50.
• Older adults with eating disorders often go undiagnosed because symptoms are attributed to aging or other medical conditions.
• Late-onset eating disorders can develop in response to major life transitions, grief, or medical illness.
• Over 3.3 million healthy life years worldwide are lost yearly because of eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa Statistics

• Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness — a death rate approximately 12 times higher than the general population.
• The lifetime prevalence of anorexia nervosa is up to 4% among females and 0.3% among males.
• Anorexia nervosa rates have increased among children under 15 in recent years, highlighting the urgency of early intervention.
• The prevalence of anorexia nervosa among women is 0.9%, while it is 0.3% among men.
• 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25.
• Females with anorexia nervosa outnumber males on a 10:1 ratio.
• Nearly 1 in 10 people with autism spectrum disorder meet diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa.
• 25% of those who recover from anorexia nervosa after treatment may relapse.
• Patients with anorexia have a risk of suicide 18 times higher than those without an eating disorder.
• Only 1 in 10 individuals with an eating disorder receive treatment.
• Family-based therapy (FBT) has a 50–60% success rate for teenagers with anorexia nervosa, outperforming individual therapy for this age group.
• Up to 44% of those with anorexia nervosa also have OCD.

Bulimia Nervosa Statistics

• Bulimia nervosa affects up to 3% of females and over 1% of males over their lifetimes.
• A recent review in the United States estimated the lifetime prevalence of bulimia nervosa to be 0.3% overall, with higher rates in females (0.5%) than in males (0.08%).
• The peak age of incidence for bulimia nervosa ranges from 15 to 29 years.
• Recent research finds a 3.9% mortality rate for bulimia nervosa, comparable to the 4% rate for anorexia nervosa. The highest mortality rate (2.3%) occurs between ages 20–30.
• Cardiac arrest is the most common cause of death among those with bulimia, caused by electrolyte imbalances from habitual purging.
• Other causes of mortality related to bulimia include choking during self-induced vomiting, esophagus or stomach rupture, and kidney failure.
• Individuals with bulimia nervosa have a standardized mortality ratio of approximately 1.7 compared to the general population.
• 94.5% of those with bulimia nervosa meet criteria for at least one other mental health disorder.
• Up to 33% of those with bulimia nervosa also have OCD.
• Fluoxetine (Prozac) is the only FDA-approved medication specifically for bulimia nervosa.
• People with bulimia nervosa who had higher levels of readiness or confidence to change had steeper decreases in eating disorder psychopathology over time.
• The majority of adolescents with bulimia have at least one other psychiatric disorder, as high as 88%.