Germany sees rise in eating disorder hospitalizations among adolescent girls

Data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) shows a significant increase in hospital treatments for eating disorders in Germany. The number of inpatient cases involving girls aged 10 to 17 has more than doubled over the last 20 years, rising from approximately 2,800 cases in 2004 to nearly 6,000 in 2024.

In 2024, girls in this age group accounted for 48.1% of all patients treated for eating disorders, compared to just 24.9% in 2004. Total inpatient cases for eating disorders rose to 12,400 in 2024, representing an 8% increase since 2004.

Anorexia was the most frequent diagnosis in 2024 with 9,000 cases, followed by bulimia with 1,300 cases. Across all age groups, women and girls remain disproportionately affected, making up 92.9% of all treated patients in 2024.