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Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating in Youth:
Real Numbers, Real Hope

Why You Should Read This Now

Kids, yes, children of all ages, can struggle. Early signs are easy to miss. Whether you’re a young person, a parent, or an educator, knowing the facts can change, and even save, lives.

The Latest Numbers

3% of U.S. teens (13–18)

have a diagnosable eating disorder, however, most never receive specialized care.

Emergency Department visits rose 107%

for teen eating disorders in the U.S. between 2018–2022
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22% of kids and teens

worldwide report disordered eating behaviors.

Fewer than 6%

of those affected are medically underweight—so you can’t always see it.
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Rates are rising fastest

among LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and youth facing bullying or food insecurity.5

21% of males (15–35)

meet DSM‑5 criteria for a probable eating disorder; 5.8% have bulimia.
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In nearly 12,000 children (ages 9–10)

disordered eating impacted boys and girls equally.

Eating disorders remain among the deadliest mental health conditions

second only to opioid use disorders, with notably high mortality and suicide rates.
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The Warning Signs We Miss

Missed Detection

  • Many schools and clinics aren’t trained to catch early signs.

Harmful stereotypes

  • Boys, trans youth, and kids in larger bodies are overlooked.

Root causes

  • Genetics, trauma, social media pressure, cultural stigma, and systemic inequities.

What You Can Do

For Young People

  • If food or body thoughts feel overwhelming—or you notice this in a friend—speak up. You’re not alone.

For Parents, Educators & Coaches

  • Watch for changes in eating, mood, or social behavior. Trust your instincts. Advocate for better screening and training.

For Communities

  • Share inclusive stories, challenge stereotypes, and support programs that expand access to evidence-based care.
Take the NEDA Screening Here

Local Services

Further Reading

Why 'Looksmaxxing' Is Putting Teen Boys at Risk Source: Parents magazine (June 2025)

Disparities in Access to Eating Disorders Treatment for Publicly Insured & Youth of Color

Source: Journal of Eating Disorders (2022, peer-reviewed)