Eating disorders are relatively rare in the general population, but their incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates have been studied extensively. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is more common among young women, with incidence rates increasing in 15–19 year old girls. Bulimia nervosa (BN) may have seen a decline since the 1990s. All eating disorders carry elevated mortality risks, with AN being the most severe. Binge eating disorder (BED) is more common in males and older individuals. The DSM-5 is expected to revise diagnostic criteria, potentially reducing the size of the 'eating disorder not otherwise specified' (EDNOS) category. EDNOS is a heterogeneous group of eating disorders, including partial syndromes of AN and BN, purging disorder, and BED. BED is distinct from obesity and is more common in obese individuals. The incidence of AN has been stable over the past decades, but there is an increase in the 15–19 year old group. The incidence of BN has decreased in some studies, though it is unclear whether this reflects earlier detection or an earlier age of onset. Prevalence rates for AN and BN are lower in men compared to women. The lifetime prevalence of AN is around 1-2% in women and 0.24% in men. The lifetime prevalence of BN is around 1-2% in women and 0.1-0.5% in men. BED has a higher prevalence in males and older individuals. Mortality rates for eating disorders are higher than the general population, with AN having the highest risk. The mortality rate for AN is significantly higher than for other eating disorders. The mortality rate for BN is also elevated, though lower than that of AN. EDNOS has a higher mortality rate than other eating disorders, possibly due to its association with AN. Eating disorders are not limited to Western cultures and are found in non-Western countries and among ethnic minorities. The incidence of eating disorders in non-Western countries is increasing, possibly due to cultural transition and globalization. The mortality risk for eating disorders is higher in males than previously thought. The study highlights the need for further research and improved detection methods to better understand and address eating disorders.Eating disorders are relatively rare in the general population, but their incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates have been studied extensively. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is more common among young women, with incidence rates increasing in 15–19 year old girls. Bulimia nervosa (BN) may have seen a decline since the 1990s. All eating disorders carry elevated mortality risks, with AN being the most severe. Binge eating disorder (BED) is more common in males and older individuals. The DSM-5 is expected to revise diagnostic criteria, potentially reducing the size of the 'eating disorder not otherwise specified' (EDNOS) category. EDNOS is a heterogeneous group of eating disorders, including partial syndromes of AN and BN, purging disorder, and BED. BED is distinct from obesity and is more common in obese individuals. The incidence of AN has been stable over the past decades, but there is an increase in the 15–19 year old group. The incidence of BN has decreased in some studies, though it is unclear whether this reflects earlier detection or an earlier age of onset. Prevalence rates for AN and BN are lower in men compared to women. The lifetime prevalence of AN is around 1-2% in women and 0.24% in men. The lifetime prevalence of BN is around 1-2% in women and 0.1-0.5% in men. BED has a higher prevalence in males and older individuals. Mortality rates for eating disorders are higher than the general population, with AN having the highest risk. The mortality rate for AN is significantly higher than for other eating disorders. The mortality rate for BN is also elevated, though lower than that of AN. EDNOS has a higher mortality rate than other eating disorders, possibly due to its association with AN. Eating disorders are not limited to Western cultures and are found in non-Western countries and among ethnic minorities. The incidence of eating disorders in non-Western countries is increasing, possibly due to cultural transition and globalization. The mortality risk for eating disorders is higher in males than previously thought. The study highlights the need for further research and improved detection methods to better understand and address eating disorders.