Abstract
ABSTRACT
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.