Prevalence of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating Among School-Based Students: A Rapid Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective

To synthesize recent global evidence on the prevalence of eating disorders and disordered eating among students in Grades 1-12.

Method

This rapid review and meta-analysis followed Cochrane Rapid Review Methods and PRISMA guidelines. We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), PsycINFO, and Scopus for peer-reviewed literature and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global for gray literature published up to May 24, 2026. No language restrictions were applied.

Results

A total of 386 outcomes involving 1,989,819 participants were included, with 75 (19.4%) reporting eating disorders and 311 (80.6%) reporting disordered eating. The pooled prevalence of eating disorders was 2.9% (95% CI: 2.3%-3.6%) and was higher among girl than boy students (3.7% vs. 1.7%). The pooled prevalence of disordered eating was 19.8% (95% CI: 18.2%-21.5%), also higher among girls than boys (23.2% vs. 15.7%). The highest pooled prevalence of eating disorders was reported in Oman (9.5%), Taiwan (9.2%), and Iran (5.5%), while disordered eating was highest in Indonesia (69.4%), Pakistan (42.0%), and Slovenia (39.8%). Disordered eating was more common in public schools and among adolescents aged 15-16 years. Studies at high risk of bias reported a higher pooled prevalence of eating disorders than those at low risk of bias (4.6% vs. 2.1%), whereas the pooled prevalence of disordered eating was comparable between studies at high and low risk of bias (20.0% vs. 21.6%).

Discussion

Disordered eating is highly prevalent among school-based students. Elevated prevalence among girl students, those aged 15-16 years, and public-school students suggests a need for targeted screening, prevention, and early intervention strategies.