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Bulimia nervosa epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yashasvi Aryaputra[2]

Overview

Very few studies regarding bulimia nervosa have been conducted on the general population, and thus, very little data is available. Bulimia nervosa is more prominent in females than in males. 0.1% to 1.4% of males are affected whereas 0.3% to 9.4% of females are affected.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Age

Bulimia nervosa can occur in people of all ages, although it is more prevalent in younger populations.[1][2]

Gender

Bulimia nervosa is more prominent in females than in males. 0.1% to 1.4% of males are affected whereas 0.3% to 9.4% of females are affected.[1][2]

Race

A recent study shows that African-American teenage girls are 50% more likely to deal with bulimia than Caucasian girls.[1][2]

Developed Countries

Bulimia nervosa is more common in developed countries as opposed to developing countries.[1][2]

Developing Countries

Bulimia nervosa is less common in developing countries as opposed to developed countries.[1][2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Makino M, Tsuboi K, Dennerstein L (2004). “Prevalence of eating disorders: a comparison of Western and non-Western countries”. MedGenMed. 6 (3): 49. PMC 1435625. PMID 15520673.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Hay PJ, Mond J, Buttner P, Darby A (2008). “Eating disorder behaviors are increasing: findings from two sequential community surveys in South Australia”. PLoS One. 3 (2): e1541. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0001541. PMC 2212110. PMID 18253489.

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