Population Differences

Gender Differences

Eating disorders are much more prevalent in females than in males. However, recent studies have shown that incidence and prevalence rates are increasing among males. Currently, there is approximately one male case to ten female cases. Further, up to one in four children referred to an eating disorders professional for anorexia is a boy. Many boys with eating disorders share the same characteristics as their female counterparts, including low self-esteem, the need to be accepted, an inability to cope with emotional pressures, and family and relationship. Males with eating disorders are most commonly seen in specific subgroups. For instance, males who wrestle show a disproportionate increase in eating disorders, rates seven to ten times the normal. Additionally, homosexual males have an increased rate of eating disorders.

Cultural Variation
Eating disorders are often perceived to be an affliction of Caucasian girls and young women in middle and upper socio-economic classes. Nevertheless, increasing numbers of cases are being seen in men and women of all different ethnic and cultural groups.

Girls and women from all ethnic and racial groups may suffer from eating disorders and disordered eating. The specific nature of the most common eating problems, as well as risk and protective factors, may vary from group to group, but no population is exempt. Research findings regarding prevalence rates and specific types of problems among particular groups are limited, but it is evident that disturbed eating behaviors and attitudes occur across all cultures.

Age
While eating disorders tends to peak between adolescence and early adulthood, the incidence and prevalence has shown an increase in all age groups. For instance, eating disorders are increasing rapidly among pre-pubertal girls. Disordered eating habits and weight concerns are beginning at earlier ages and concerns of body weight and image emerge in girls as young as 9 years of age. A recent study found that 70% of sixth grade girls surveyed report that they first became concerned about their weight between the ages of 9 and 11.

Eating disorders are also becoming more common among elderly women. This is in part due to patients maintaining their illness into old age. Also, elderly women have been shown to initiate weight control practices, such as bingeing and purging.9