Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Quevedo, 2, 46001 Valencia, Spain.
Doctoral School, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Quevedo 2, 46001 Valencia, Spain.
Nutrients. 2024 Aug 13;16(16):2671. doi: 10.3390/nu16162671.
This study examines the prevalence of eating disorders, particularly anorexia and bulimia nervosa, among middle-aged Spaniards, noting their rising incidence in men as well as women. It explores how these disorders relate to sociodemographic factors and lifestyle habits.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2020 to November 2021 via online platforms. Participants were Spanish nationals aged 31-50 years residing in Spain.
Out of 9913 respondents, 96.66% reported no diagnosed eating disorders, while 3.34% reported one or more (0.36% anorexia nervosa; 0.53% bulimia nervosa; 1.97% other eating disorders; 0.48% multiple disorders). Concerns about body image and lack of control over food intake were reported by 50% and 28%, respectively, suggesting potential undiagnosed disorders. Significant BMI differences were noted between healthy individuals and those with anorexia or bulimia.
Anorexia and bulimia affect both adolescents and middle-aged individuals, challenging existing stereotypes. The high prevalence of undiagnosed eating disorder behaviors highlights the need for early detection. To address these issues in Spain, targeted awareness programs are essential to reduce stigma and improve service access through clinical, social, and political collaboration.
本研究旨在调查中年西班牙人群中饮食障碍（尤其是神经性厌食症和神经性贪食症）的流行情况，并指出其在男女群体中的发病率均呈上升趋势。同时，研究还探讨了这些障碍与社会人口因素和生活方式习惯的关系。
本研究采用横断面调查的方法，于 2020 年 8 月至 2021 年 11 月期间通过在线平台进行。参与者为年龄在 31-50 岁、居住在西班牙的西班牙籍成年人。
在 9913 名受访者中，96.66%的人报告没有确诊的饮食障碍，而 3.34%的人报告有一个或多个（0.36%的神经性厌食症；0.53%的神经性贪食症；1.97%的其他饮食障碍；0.48%的多种障碍）。分别有 50%和 28%的人报告对自己的身体形象感到担忧和无法控制食物摄入，这表明可能存在未确诊的障碍。健康人群与患有神经性厌食症或贪食症的人群之间的 BMI 存在显著差异。
神经性厌食症和贪食症不仅影响青少年，也影响中年人群，挑战了现有的刻板印象。大量未确诊的饮食障碍行为表明需要早期发现。为了解决西班牙的这些问题，需要开展有针对性的宣传活动，通过临床、社会和政治合作，减少耻辱感并改善服务的可及性。
