What percent of college students have an eating disorder? An In-depth Look

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent studies reveal that approximately 13% of college students exhibit symptoms of an eating disorder. This alarming statistic highlights the pressing need to understand exactly what percent of college students have an eating disorder and why this age group is particularly vulnerable to these complex mental health conditions.

Quick Summary

The prevalence of eating disorder symptoms among college students is significant, with some studies finding rates around 13%. This vulnerability is driven by academic stress, social pressures, and new independence, with higher risks for women, athletes, and gender minority students.

Key Points

Prevalence Rates: Recent research indicates that around 13% of college students show signs of an eating disorder, with risk rates increasing to 28% in some recent studies.
Common Disorders: Binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa are the most prevalent eating disorders among college students, affecting significant percentages of both women and men.
At-Risk Groups: Certain populations, including female students (10-20% estimate), student-athletes, and gender minority students, face particularly high risks.
Contributing Factors: College stressors, such as academic pressure, new social environments, and intense social comparison, are major contributors to the development of eating disorders.
Comorbidity with Depression: Eating disorders are often linked with other mental health conditions, like major depressive disorder, indicating the need for integrated mental health support.
Importance of Early Intervention: Recognizing and addressing symptoms early through campus resources like counseling and health centers is critical for successful treatment and recovery.

Understanding the Statistics on Eating Disorders

College is a transitional period marked by new freedoms and pressures, creating a 'perfect storm' for the development or exacerbation of eating disorders. While exact numbers vary between studies, recent research confirms a high prevalence of disordered eating among undergraduates, indicating a serious public health concern. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has previously estimated that between 10% and 20% of women and 4% to 10% of men in college suffer from an eating disorder. More recent data from a study of nearly 30,000 college students found that about 13% experienced symptoms of eating disorders. Strikingly, another study noted that the risk for eating disorders among American college students surged from 15% in 2013 to 28% in 2020/2021, suggesting a concerning upward trend.

Dissecting the Prevalence by Disorder Type

Different types of eating disorders affect college students at varying rates, with some being more common than others. Research indicates that certain types, like binge eating disorder, are particularly widespread among this population.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED): This is one of the most common eating disorders affecting college students. A study of nearly 30,000 students found that bulimia and binge eating were the most prevalent, impacting up to 18% of women and 12% of men.
Bulimia Nervosa: Often occurring alongside binge eating, bulimia is also highly prevalent on college campuses. College students dealing with intense academic or social pressures may feel a loss of control, which can be a trigger for binging and purging behaviors.
Anorexia Nervosa: While less common than bulimia or BED, anorexia still affects a significant number of students. Reports indicate it affects approximately 2–4% of college women and less than 1% of men.

Risk Factors Fueling Eating Disorders on Campus

The college environment presents several unique factors that contribute to the high rates of eating disorders. These include a combination of emotional, social, and psychological pressures that can overwhelm vulnerable students.

Academic Stress: The pressure to perform well academically and the demanding college schedule can trigger anxiety and perfectionism, which are closely linked to disordered eating.
Social Comparison and Pressure: Students are often in new social settings and are heavily influenced by peers and social media, leading to heightened social comparison and body image concerns.
Loss of Structure: The transition to independent living removes the structure of home life, which can make it harder for students to maintain healthy eating habits and may enable secretive disordered eating behaviors.
Other Mental Health Conditions: Eating disorders frequently co-occur with other mental health challenges. For example, one study noted that nearly 80% of college women and 68% of college men with an eating disorder also showed signs of major depressive disorder.

Vulnerable Student Populations: A Closer Look

Certain student demographics face an even higher risk of developing an eating disorder. Awareness of these higher-risk groups is critical for targeted prevention and support efforts.

Gender Minority (GM) Students: Studies consistently show a significantly higher prevalence of eating disorder symptoms among gender minority students compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender students, in particular, face unique body image challenges and are at a four-fold higher risk for an eating disorder.
College Athletes: Student-athletes, especially those in sports that emphasize leanness or specific body types, are at elevated risk for eating disorders due to intense pressure and scrutiny.

Comparison of College Student Eating Disorder Prevalence


Population Group	Estimated Prevalence (Women)	Estimated Prevalence (Men)	Notable Risk Factors	Study Source
General College Population	10-20%	4-10%	Academic stress, social comparison, transition to independence	NEDA / Multiple Studies
Symptom Presentation	13.5%	3.6%	Often co-occurs with depression and anxiety	Baseline Survey, 2005
High-Risk Groups	Significantly higher than cisgender peers (GM students), elevated risk in sports (athletes)	Significantly higher than cisgender peers (GM students), elevated risk in sports (athletes)	Intense performance pressure, body image concerns related to specific sports	Multiple Studies
Specific Disorder Prevalence	Up to 18% (Bulimia/BED)	Up to 12% (Bulimia/BED)	Common onset during college years	Newport Institute, 2025

Resources and Support for College Students

Colleges and universities are increasingly recognizing the need for accessible mental health services to address the high rates of eating disorders. Most campuses offer a range of resources, from counseling centers to support groups, designed to help students navigate these challenges.

Available Support Options:

Campus Counseling Services: These provide confidential and professional support for students experiencing mental health struggles, including eating disorders. Early intervention is key for effective recovery.
Student Health Centers: Health services can provide medical assessments and referrals to specialists for comprehensive treatment, which is crucial given the serious medical complications associated with eating disorders.
Support Groups: Many campuses offer peer-led or professionally moderated support groups, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and build a supportive community.
Mental Health Awareness Programs: Initiatives that raise awareness about eating disorders and other mental health issues can encourage students to seek help and destigmatize the conversation. For more information, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers extensive resources on its website.

Conclusion

While precise percentages vary based on the specific study and criteria, it is clear that a significant portion of college students are affected by eating disorders. The vulnerability of this age group stems from a confluence of academic, social, and personal pressures inherent to the college experience. Rising prevalence rates, combined with strong links to other mental health conditions, underscore the urgency for comprehensive campus support. By increasing awareness, providing accessible resources, and fostering a supportive community, institutions can play a critical role in helping students address and overcome these serious conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single cause, but a combination of factors often contributes to the development of eating disorders in college students. These include academic stress, newfound independence and lack of structure, social pressures related to body image, and underlying mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

While traditionally associated with women, eating disorders affect students of all genders. Studies show a higher prevalence among women (10-20% estimated), but a significant percentage of men (4-10% estimated) also struggle with them. Rates for gender minority students are even higher.

Binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa are the most commonly reported eating disorders among college students. Anorexia nervosa is also a concern, though typically less prevalent.

Warning signs include extreme dieting or exercising, obsessive thoughts about food and weight, secretive eating, withdrawal from social activities, and significant weight changes. Emotional shifts like anxiety, depression, and irritability are also common.

Yes, college student-athletes, especially those in sports that focus on appearance or weight, are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder due to intense pressure, performance demands, and body image scrutiny.

Most college campuses offer mental health services through their counseling centers and medical support via student health centers. Students can seek confidential counseling or medical evaluation and get referrals to specialists for comprehensive treatment.

Yes, stress from academics, social life, and managing independence can absolutely trigger or amplify binge eating behaviors in vulnerable individuals.

Yes, eating disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions. Research shows strong connections between eating disorders and major depressive disorder among college students.