Prevalence of eating disorders in South Asian countries: a systematic analysis of Global Burden of Disease (1990–2021)

Abstract

Abstract Background Eating disorders (EDs) have traditionally been viewed as a Western phenomenon, but their prevalence in South Asia has risen due to urbanization, globalization, and Westernized beauty ideals. This systematic analysis examines trends and prevalence of Anorexia nervosa (AN) and Bulimia nervosa (BN) using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data from 1990 to 2021. Methods This analysis used data from the GBD study on age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPRs) for AN and BN, as well as their total percentage changes (TPCs) from 1990 to 2021. Trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to identify changes over time and calculate annual percent changes (APCs) and average annual percent changes (AAPCs). Geospatial patterns and temporal changes were visualized using QGIS software. The correlation between the Sociodemographic Index (SDI) and the DALY rate was assessed using R software. Results The ASPR of EDs increased significantly from 1990 to 2021, with BN peaking in the 20–24 age group and AN in the 15–19 and 20–24 age groups. Females exhibited the highest rates of increase, while notable rises were also observed in males. Bhutan recorded the highest ASPR for both AN and BN, with varying temporal percentage changes across countries. A significant positive correlation was found between the SDI and DALY rates across 21 global regions, with anorexia nervosa showing the strongest correlation (r = 0.75, p < 0.001). Conclusions The rising burden of EDs in South Asia underscores an urgent need for culturally sensitive prevention strategies and public health policies. Targeted interventions addressing sociocultural drivers are essential to mitigate the growing impact of EDs in this region. Level of evidence Level V, Descriptive study.

Keywords

• Appetite disorders
• Binge-eating disorder
• Food addiction
• South Asia
• Global Burden of Disease