Australia Has the Highest Rate of Anorexia and Bulimia in the World

Published 2026-10-29

Australia has the highest rate of eating disorders in the world. Estimates show that 1,026.5 people per 100,000 have either anorexia or bulimia. This means that about one in every hundred people in Australia is affected by one of these conditions.

Anorexia and bulimia are serious mental health conditions. People with anorexia often eat very little food and have an intense fear of gaining weight. People with bulimia usually eat large amounts of food in a short time and then try to get rid of it, for example by vomiting. Both conditions can cause serious damage to a person's physical health, and they can also affect their relationships, work, and study.

The figures are estimates, so they show the general level of the problem rather than an exact number of cases. Eating disorders can affect people of any age, gender, or background, although they are often associated with young people. Because the conditions can be hard to recognise, especially in the early stages, many people may not receive help straight away.

The result puts Australia at the top of the global comparison, which has drawn attention to the need for support and treatment. Health experts generally recommend that anyone worried about an eating disorder, either for themselves or for someone they know, should speak to a doctor or a mental health professional as early as possible.

Sources: ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

More Australia news

All Australia news · News by country