Where in the world is bulimia most common?

The prevalence of bulimia varies across different countries and regions, but it is generally considered to be more common in certain parts of the world. Here are some countries where bulimia is reported to be more prevalent:

1. Australia: Australia has one of the highest rates of bulimia in the world, with studies suggesting that up to 1.5% of the population may be affected. Bulimia is particularly prevalent among young women and is often associated with a desire for thinness and societal pressures related to body image.

2. United States: The United States also has a high prevalence of bulimia, with estimates ranging from 0.5% to 1% of the population. It is more common among adolescent and young adult women, and like in Australia, it is often linked to cultural ideals of thinness and body dissatisfaction.

3. United Kingdom: Bulimia is relatively common in the United Kingdom, with studies indicating a prevalence of around 1%. Similar to other countries, it primarily affects young women and is often associated with disordered eating patterns and body image concerns.

4. Western Europe: Some countries in Western Europe, such as France, Italy, and Spain, have reported higher rates of bulimia compared to other parts of the world. However, the prevalence may vary within different countries and subpopulations.

5. Urban areas: Bulimia tends to be more common in urban areas, where individuals may be exposed to more societal pressures and cultural influences related to body image.

It's important to note that the prevalence of bulimia can vary over time and may be influenced by cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. Additionally, bulimia may be under-reported due to its stigma and the difficulty individuals may have in seeking help for eating disorders. Accurate estimates of the prevalence of bulimia can be challenging to obtain and may vary depending on the methodology and criteria used for diagnosis.