Postpartum eating disorders are mental health conditions with disturbed eating behaviors that arise following childbirth. These conditions range from severe food restriction to binge eating, and societal expectations about postpartum bodies can contribute to their development. Understanding these statistics is a step toward greater awareness, which facilitates recognition and access to care for those affected.
Prevalence of Postpartum Eating Disorders
The period following childbirth is a high-risk time for developing eating disorders. Research indicates the prevalence of these disorders among individuals who have recently given birth can be as high as 13%. This figure is higher than the rate during pregnancy (approximately 5%) and the baseline rate of 9% in the general population. The postpartum period is considered the first year after delivery.
These statistics may not fully represent the true scope of the issue, as underreporting is a challenge due to shame or misdiagnosis. Disordered eating behaviors, which may not meet the full criteria for a diagnosis but are still harmful, are even more common. One study found that binge eating and concerns about weight were reported by a significant portion of the postpartum population, with rates for binge eating ranging from 8.4% to 36.1%.
This suggests that a substantial number of individuals experience problematic eating behaviors after giving birth, even without a formal diagnosis. Disordered eating thoughts and behaviors present before pregnancy further elevate the risk in the postpartum period. The data underscores that these behaviors may be more widespread than previously understood.
Data on Specific Postpartum Eating Disorders
Binge eating disorder (BED) is frequently identified as the most common eating disorder in the postpartum period. Studies indicate that the prevalence of BED during pregnancy and postpartum can range from 1.8% to 5%. One large-scale study found the prevalence of BED to be 4.7% in a cohort of over 100,000 pregnant patients.
Bulimia nervosa has a reported prevalence of 0.1% to 0.85% in the postpartum period, while anorexia nervosa is estimated to affect between 0.09% and 0.9% of postpartum individuals. Another category, “Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder” (OSFED), includes disordered eating that doesn’t meet full criteria for other disorders and is present in the postpartum population with a prevalence of up to 5%.
A key aspect of postpartum eating disorders is whether they are a new onset or a relapse of a pre-existing condition. For many, the postpartum period marks a recurrence of a previous eating disorder. A large study showed that at 18 months postpartum, remission rates were 50% for anorexia nervosa, 39% for bulimia nervosa, and 45% for BED, indicating that many individuals continued to struggle.
Statistical Link to Other Postpartum Conditions
There is a significant statistical overlap between postpartum eating disorders and other mental health conditions, particularly postpartum depression (PPD). Research demonstrates a high rate of comorbidity, as up to 50% of individuals with a history of an eating disorder also experience PPD. Women with active bulimic symptoms during pregnancy are three times more likely to suffer from PPD.
This connection is further highlighted by research showing that women with a history of any eating disorder have elevated levels of both anxiety and depression during the postnatal period. In one study of women seeking treatment for perinatal depression, 37.1% reported a lifetime history of an eating disorder. This data suggests a strong correlation between the conditions.
The link extends to postpartum anxiety as well. Studies have found that eating disorder behaviors can be used to regulate the negative moods associated with both depression and anxiety. While research on the direct statistical link between postpartum eating disorders and anxiety is still developing, the high comorbidity with depression points to a complex interplay of mental health challenges.
Statistically Significant Risk Factors
A personal history of an eating disorder is one of the most significant predictors for developing one postpartum. Studies indicate that up to 67% of individuals with a history of an eating disorder may relapse during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Specifically, one study reported a 50% relapse rate within a year of giving birth.
High levels of body dissatisfaction are another potent risk factor. It’s estimated that about 50% of people are dissatisfied with their weight postpartum, which can trigger disordered eating. One study found that 75% of women are concerned about weight retention in the first month after delivery, and 70% are actively trying to lose weight by four months postpartum.
A personal or family history of mood disorders also elevates the risk. Women with a history of depression are more likely to develop postpartum depression, which is linked to eating disorders. The presence of eating disorder symptoms during pregnancy, combined with past depressive episodes, creates the highest risk for developing a perinatal mood disorder. Experiencing a traumatic birth can also contribute to the onset of these conditions by compounding psychological stress.