The Future of Eating Disorders: What Global Trends Tell Us and Why Action Matters Now
This post is a brief summary of our latest Substack post, written in recognition of Eating Disorder Awareness Month which you can find HERE.
While awareness campaigns have helped bring eating disorders into public conversation, new global research shows that awareness alone is not slowing their rise and in some cases, the burden is growing faster than ever.
February is Eating Disorder Awareness Month, a time meant to increase understanding and reduce stigma. However, emerging global data highlights a concerning reality: without meaningful action, eating disorders are projected to continue increasing worldwide.
Eating Disorders Are Increasing Worldwide
New findings from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study examined trends across 204 countries and territories over three decades. The data shows significant increases in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, confirming that eating disorders are not limited by geography, gender, or income level.
Who is Impacted?
Adolescents and young adults experience the highest rates of new and existing cases. Because these years are critical for physical, emotional, and social development, delays in identification and care can have lasting consequences.
While higher-income regions currently report the highest prevalence, lower- and middle-income regions are projected to see some of the fastest growth — often in settings with limited access to eating disorder–informed care.
Although females continue to be affected at higher overall rates, diagnoses among males are increasing more rapidly. This trend challenges outdated stereotypes that still delay screening and treatment.
What Happens If Nothing Changes?
Projections suggest the global burden of eating disorders will continue to rise, increasing the risk of long-term medical and mental health complications. These trends are serious but they are not inevitable.
Want the Full Breakdown?
👉 Click HERE to read the full Substack post
At Food Ease Co, we provide eating-disorder-informed, weight-inclusive nutrition care and offer sliding scale appointments to help make support more accessible.
👉 Click HERE to book your FREE 15-minute discovery call to learn more.
References
Global Eating Disorder Trends: Past, Present, and Future. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2025. PMID: 41305989. DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2025.10450
Journal of Eating Disorders. 2025. PMID: 41419960. DOI: 10.1186/s40337-025-01492-8
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. 2026. PMID: 41553370. DOI: 10.1007/s00127-025-03031-x
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