“Eating disorders most commonly affect teens and young adults, although they can affect people of all ages, including both women and men.

More than 90 percent of people with an eating disorder are female. Teenagers, especially girls, face challenges like societal pressures, emotional changes and the effects of puberty on their bodies, which can make them more vulnerable to eating disorders. As kids go through the physical changes of puberty, they may become more aware of how their bodies are changing. When this happens – especially when coupled with exposure to social media and experiences like bullying – it can make some teens feel insecure about their appearance. Over time, these feelings can lead to body image issues and even symptoms of eating disorders.

The overall lifetime prevalence of eating disorders is estimated to be 8.6 percent among females and 4 percent among males in the United States.”

Stony Brook Medicine (Anorexia vs. Bulimia: Symptoms, Differences and Treatment Options – Stony Brook Medicine Health News)