INCIDENCE, PREVALENCE AND HEALTH RISKS OF EATING DISORDERS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The nomenclature of eating disorders has undergone various changes over the years, and alongside these changes, their incidence and prevalence have significantly increased in the global population. This scenario is influenced both by intrinsic factors related to the individual and extrinsic factors from the environment. Consequently, the rise in mortality becomes a public health issue. We analyzed the scientific literature regarding the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of eating disorders, comparing data from recent decades and identifying possible risk factors. A narrative review was conducted with the scientific literature on the topic, applying selection criteria, and a total of 30 articles deemed relevant to the proposed objective were included. The increase in incidence is a reality in most countries worldwide, primarily due to the rise in globalization and the COVID-19 pandemic. The persistence of prevalence also presents a problem, mainly characterized by the difficulty in providing adequate treatment. Furthermore, the mortality rate is higher compared to other psychiatric disorders.