Estimated prevalence of eating disorders in Singapore

There is a lack of research on the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) in Singapore. The aims of our study were to (a) estimate the prevalence of EDs, risk status, and help-seeking behaviors among adults in Singapore, (b) examine gender differences between ED status groups, and (c) characterize clinical profiles of ED status groups.

We administered a cross-sectional survey that included a validated EDs screening tool to adults in Singapore.

A total of 797 Singaporean adults ages 21-77 years completed the ED screen. The majority of participants screened positive for a current DSM-5 clinical ED (6.2%), other specified feeding or ED (37.0%) or at high risk of developing an ED (19.5%). Only 1.6% of those who screened positive for an ED reported currently being in treatment. The ratio of males to females who screened positive for an ED was nearly 1:1. The clinical profiles of ED groups were consistent with the clinical presentations found in Western nations.

This is the first study in Singapore to estimate the prevalence of EDs in a large sample of adults. Results highlight the urgent need for more ED research and expansion of prevention and treatment programs to address the high prevalence of ED psychopathology in Singapore.