Prevalence of Eating Disorders Among Young Adults in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background: Eating disorders (ED) are complex mental health conditions that can affect individuals of all ages, with a higher prevalence observed among young adults aged 18–26. They involve disruptions in eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, leading to significant physical and psychological implications. There is currently a lack of ED prevalence studies in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. By conducting such studies, healthcare professionals and policymakers can utilize the data to identify at-risk populations, evaluate the burden of ED in the region, and develop evidence-based strategies to address this pressing public health issue. Furthermore, prevalence studies can help raise awareness about ED, reduce stigma, and improve access to timely and appropriate care for individuals in need. Methods: A 6-month cross-sectional descriptive study between September 2023 and February 2024, including 390 young adults aged 18–26 residing in the Western region of Saudi Arabia, using an Arabic translation of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, was carried out. Results: Over the course of this study, 403 participants were surveyed, and 390 of them were included in the analysis. The mean age of included participants was 20.41 for males ( n = 167) and 19.71 for females ( n = 223). Complying with the recommended cutoff score of 2.8 for ED screening, the suspected prevalence of ED in this study is 20.5% and showed high gender association: 26.5% of females and 12.6% of males ( P = 0.001). Conclusions: The current study presents a high prevalence (20.5%) of disordered eating behaviors in adolescents in the Western region of Saudi Arabia, especially in females, and shows a high correlation with BMI. Further prevalence studies with larger sample sizes in the Western region of Saudi Arabia, especially within male populations, are required for developing enhanced screening methods and more targeted awareness campaigns.