Australia has highest rates of anorexia and bulimia globally

A new study reveals that Australia has the highest rates of anorexia and bulimia globally, affecting 1,026.5 out of every 100,000 people. This shocking statistic comes amid a 71% increase in cases worldwide over the past 30 years, with an estimated 18.1 million people living with one of these disorders as of 2023. Experts, including University of Queensland epidemiologist Damian Santomauro, are surprised and concerned by Australia's ranking.

The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, highlights that mental disorders, including eating disorders, can be as burdensome as, if not more so, than some physical disorders.

The findings come from the Global Burden of Disease study, which focuses on the impact of mental disorders on the overall population. Researchers used surveys instead of treatment data to capture people who may not have access to treatment, ensuring a comprehensive global analysis since 1990. While Australia's high number of cases may be partly due to the methodology of data collection, it is clear that the issue is serious and growing.

Females accounted for nearly 70% of the 18.1 million global cases, and about 41% of all global cases were in young people aged 10 to 24.

Jeanette Chan, an economist and public policy professional with lived experience of an eating disorder, notes that people from migrant and non-Western backgrounds may face additional challenges in gaining help due to the Western conceptualization of mental health issues. She emphasizes the need for more funding for treatment and prevention, particularly in Australia, where there has been a lack of investment in recent years.

While Australia has the highest rates, the study also found that East Asia, South Asia, and South-East Asia experienced the largest relative increases in incidence of anorexia and bulimia. Dr Santomauro suggests that increased time spent online, particularly on platforms like Instagram, may contribute to the rise in cases, particularly among youth.