Barriers to Eating Disorder Treatment

Only 1 in 5 people with an eating disorder seek treatment from someone who specializes in eating disorders.

Only 1 in 10 people with an eating disorder receive proper treatment. 

Barriers to eating disorder treatment include:

• Lack of eating disorder specialists

• Cost of treatment

• Not having health insurance coverage

• Lack of awareness that one is experiencing an eating disorder

• Feelings of shame and stigma

• Stigmas held by providers

Eating disorders can impact anyone, regardless of age, sex, race, gender, sexual orientation, or body type. 

However, even when symptoms of eating disorders are consistent across race, clinicians are less likely to identify disordered eating behaviors in women of color. 

Binge eating is the most common eating disorder in the United States, which affects 3.5% of women and 2% of men. 

But, individuals in higher-weight bodies are less likely to receive an eating disorder diagnosis, despite having 2-3 times greater chance of engaging in disordered eating behaviors. 

Also, people in higher-weight bodies are also more likely to be blamed for infertility and pregnancy losses, which can lead to an increase in disordered eating and body image distress.

If any of this resonates with you, please don’t wait to get help. Your experience is valid, and you don’t have to find recovery on your own. 

Please check out the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website for more information and resources.

And if you are interested in getting more information and insight from me, click here to sign up for my weekly newsletter!