Eating Disorders in Women

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Lifetime 8.4% across accurately diagnosed ED studies; 12-month 2.2%
Is it more common among women? Substantially higher than men
Are women at higher risk? Yes
How much higher is the risk? Lifetime 8.4% vs 2.2% men
How often can it be missed? High
Does it show up differently among women? Yes
How might it look different? Restriction, bingeing/purging, body-image disturbance; EDs may occur at any body size
What commonly occurs alongside it? Anxiety; depression; OCD; PTSD; substance use
What can it be confused with? OCD; depression-related appetite change; body dysmorphic disorder; GI disease
Common screening tool SCOFF
Separate screening tool for women None
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