Long perceived as a rare disease primarily affecting adolescent girls, anorexia nervosa is now considered a major public health issue. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals have observed a worrying increase in eating disorders, particularly among young people. Figures published between 2024 and 2026 show a global rise in the phenomenon and still insufficient treatment.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by voluntary food restriction, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. This illness primarily affects women, but specialists are also seeing an increase in cases among boys and men, who are often diagnosed later. According to several recent studies, women are still nearly twice as likely to be affected as men worldwide.
A rise in eating disorders worldwide
Scientific data published in 2025 show that the global prevalence of eating disorders continues to rise. Between 1990 and 2021, the standardized global prevalence rate increased from approximately 301 to 355 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Researchers have observed a particularly marked increase among adolescents and young adults.
Adolescent girls are the most at-risk population. An international study published in 2024 estimates that eating disorders affect between 5,5% and 17,9% of young women before adulthood. Other studies indicate that approximately 13% of adolescents will develop an eating disorder before the age of 20.
France faces a worrying situation
In France, health authorities estimate that at least 900,000 people suffer from a diagnosed eating disorder. However, specialists point out that the actual number is likely higher, as many cases go undetected or do not fully meet medical criteria.
Anorexia nervosa primarily affects girls aged 14 to 17. According to recent medical data, between 1% and 2% of adolescent girls are affected, representing approximately 40,000 young people in France. More than 80% of those affected are women.
A disease that kills more people than other psychiatric disorders
One of the most alarming aspects of anorexia is its mortality rate. The World Health Organization points out that this illness has the highest mortality rate among mental disorders. Deaths occur both due to medical complications related to malnutrition and a particularly high risk of suicide.
Several recent studies show that people suffering from anorexia have a risk of premature death nearly three times higher than that of the general population. Some research even indicates that between 5% and 10% of patients die within ten years of the onset of the illness when it is not properly treated.
Social media at the heart of concerns
Since 2024, the role of social media has become a central issue. Several French families have filed lawsuits against TikTok, arguing that certain content promoting extreme thinness or disseminating "pro-ana" messages has worsened their children's psychological well-being. Experts point out that algorithms can encourage repeated exposure to content related to weight loss, dietary restriction, or unrealistic body image.
Faced with this situation, specialists emphasize the importance of early detection. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chances of recovery. Yet, in many countries, specialized services remain overwhelmed, and waiting times for care are sometimes very long. Anorexia is no longer just an individual illness: it has emerged as one of the major mental health challenges of the decade, particularly among younger generations confronted with increasing pressure regarding their image and appearance.
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