The epidemiology of eating disorders and the influence of mass media: a literature review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide an update of the epidemiology of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), focusing on incidence and prevalence as well as other factors as age and sex. We made a review of the existing literature in the matter in the last decades. Likewise, we made an extent evaluation of the hypothetical pathogenic impact that exerts mass media (television and printed mass media) in these pathologies. We found an evident increase in incidence as well as prevalence of these disorders though it’s far from being considered «epidemic». We also found an undeniable influence of mass media in the genesis and maintenance of these disorders. However, mass media would exert a positive influence in the popularization of these entities to the general population that would result in a higher demand in general practice.