CDC survey finds 4 in 10 high school students report binge eating

A large new government study found that about 40% of high school students reported binge eating in the past month (Source: “Forty percent of high school students report binge eating in new CDC survey,” Stat News, Oct. 15).
 
This is the first time the CDC’s biennial Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System survey has asked about binge eating, and the first data on disordered eating collected in a decade. Among its other striking findings: 17% of nearly 7,000 students said they had engaged in binge eating within the last three days. 
 
Binge eating was more prevalent among female than male students (19% versus 16%). It was also more common among Black (19%), Hispanic (20%), and multiracial (20%) students compared to white (15%) and Middle Eastern or North African students (10%).
 
The finding that young people of color are largely more likely to report binge eating is important because it counters longstanding stereotypes that eating disorders and disordered eating primarily affect white girls and young women, according to CDC researchers. 
 
The survey also found links between binge eating and frequent social media use (checking platforms at least hourly), poor mental health and suicidality.