Among women, the age group most likely to suffer from eating disorders was those in their 20s. (image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Oct. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — A majority of individuals suffering from anorexia or other eating disorders are women, a recent study has revealed.
The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) reported Tuesday that 32,498 women visited hospitals due to eating disorders over the last five years, comprising 81.8 percent of the total number of patients suffering from eating disorders (40,059 people).
Eating disorders were more than four times more common among women than men (7,561 people).
Among women, the age group most likely to suffer from eating disorders over the past five years was those in their 20s (7,861 people, 19.6 percent).
Female teens and 30-somethings combined with those in their 20s yielded a total of almost 40 percent of the cases.
The NHIS also reported that senior groups in their 70s and 80s comprised 30.2 percent of all patients, indicating a strong concentration of patients among younger and older groups.
“We live in a society where beauty is important, and maintaining a ‘slim’ body is an important standard of beauty, leading more women to suffer from eating disorders,” said Rep. Nam In-soon, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party and a member of the Health and Welfare Committee at the National Assembly.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
