A study published in JAMA Psychiatry reveals that Australia has the highest rate of anorexia and bulimia nervosa in the world. According to the research, which forms part of the Global Burden of Disease study, Australia's estimated prevalence reaches 1,026.5 per 100,000 people.
Globally, cases of anorexia and bulimia have increased by 71 per cent since 1990, with approximately 18.1 million people worldwide living with one of the two eating disorders as of 2023. Females account for nearly 70 per cent of those global cases, and about 41 per cent involve young people aged 10 to 24.
University of Queensland epidemiologist and senior author Damian Santomauro described Australia's leading ranking as surprising and concerning, noting that heightened survey methodologies in Australia and increased time spent online and on social media may contribute to the figures. Butterfly Helpline clinical psychologist Sarah Cox noted that the findings validate years of reports from healthcare professionals and individuals with lived experience.
Experts emphasize that the data captures only a fraction of total eating disorder burdens—excluding conditions like binge eating disorder—and call for increased funding toward early treatment, prevention, and expanded research to address barriers such as cost, regional access, and stigma.
