Research & Evidence

Evidence-Based Practice

All statistics and claims on our website are supported by published research from peer-reviewed journals and reputable health organizations. We believe in transparency and scientific integrity.

How We Use Research

When we present statistics on our website, we distinguish between:

• Direct Research Findings: Statistics taken directly from published studies (e.g., "19.4% of gym members at clinical risk")

• Expert Interpretations: Our clinical team's interpretation of research findings, clearly labeled as estimates (e.g., "reality likely 2-3x higher due to under-reporting")

• Industry Standards: Widely accepted figures from fitness industry reports (e.g., "50% quit within 6 months")

Key Research Findings

Disordered Eating in Gym Members

Finding: 19.4% of gym members are at clinical risk of disordered eating, with 15.5% reporting secretive eating behaviors and 11.6% having a history of eating disorders. Additionally, 62.5% report that body weight impacts their self-perception.

Source: Gjestvang, C., Mathisen, T.F., Bratland-Sanda, S., & Haakstad, L.A.H. (2024). "The Risk of Disordered Eating in Fitness Club Members—A Cross-Sectional Study." Sports, 12(12), 343.

Study Details: Cross-sectional study of 232 gym members in Norway using validated screening tools (Eating Disorder Screen for Primary Care).

Disordered Eating in Fitness Professionals

Finding: 59% of female group fitness instructors and 22% of male instructors were classified with disordered eating. Notably, none of the instructors with self-reported eating disorders had disclosed this to their gym management.

Source: Bratland-Sanda, S., et al. (2015). "Disordered eating behavior among group fitness instructors: a health-threatening secret?" Journal of Eating Disorders, 3, 22.

Study Details: Online survey of 837 group fitness instructors (685 females, 152 males) in Norway, response rate 57%.

Gym Staff Recognition of Eating Issues

Finding: 75% of gym employees reported having suspected a client of having an eating disorder or exercising excessively, yet most felt unprepared to address these concerns and desired guidelines on how to respond.

Source: Colledge, F., et al. (2020). "Responses of fitness center employees to cases of suspected eating disorders or excessive exercise." Journal of Eating Disorders, 8, 8.

Study Details: Survey of 99 gym employees in Switzerland examining their experiences with and responses to suspected eating disorders.

Binge Eating Prevalence

Finding: Binge eating patterns affect approximately 1 in 50 people in the UK (2% of the population), representing approximately 1.25 million people. It is the most common eating disorder, affecting three times more people than anorexia and bulimia combined.

Sources:

• Priory Group (2025). "Eating Disorder Statistics UK 2025"

• Beat UK. "How many people have an eating disorder in the UK?"

• NHS Matrix Scotland. "Binge Eating Disorder Evidence Summary"

Treatment Gap

Finding: Less than 50% of people with binge eating patterns receive professional treatment, with barriers including shame, lack of awareness, and limited access to specialized services.

Source: NHS Matrix Scotland. "Binge Eating Disorder Evidence Summary."

Gym Member Retention

Finding: Approximately 50% of new gym members quit within the first six months, with the average annual retention rate for health clubs at 71.4% (meaning 28.6% annual churn).

Sources:

• Glofox Industry Report (2024)

• IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association)

• Fitness on Demand (2024). "Gym Membership Statistics"

Our Clinical Approach

CBT-E

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Enhanced
The leading evidence-based treatment for binge eating and bulimia, with extensive research supporting its effectiveness.

DBT Skills

Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Proven effective for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, particularly for emotional eating patterns.

Intuitive Eating

Evidence-Based Nutrition Approach
Research shows intuitive eating improves psychological wellbeing and reduces disordered eating behaviors.

Our therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based treatments with proven efficacy for disordered eating and body image issues.

HAES Principles

Health At Every Size
Weight-inclusive approach that research shows improves health outcomes and reduces disordered eating.

Important Notes on Our Statistics

Understanding the Hidden Numbers

Throughout our website, we reference that "the reality is likely 2-3x higher than reported statistics." This is our clinical team's expert interpretation based on:

• Research showing only 19.4% are identified in clinical screening, while less than 50% ever seek treatment

• Studies demonstrating high rates of secrecy and non-disclosure in fitness environments

• The stigma particularly associated with food struggles in gym culture where "perfect" eating is expected

• Clinical experience working with gym members who report years of struggling before seeking help

This is not a direct research finding, but rather an evidence-informed estimate from our clinical team acknowledging that published statistics likely underrepresent the true prevalence due to systematic under-reporting.

Financial Calculations

The ROI calculations on our website (e.g., "£60,000-100,000 annual impact") are illustrative projections based on:

• Industry-standard membership pricing (£40-60/month average)

• Published retention statistics (50% quit within 6 months, 28.6% annual churn)

• Research showing 19.4% at clinical risk of disordered eating

• Standard customer lifetime value calculations

These are projections, not guarantees. Actual results will vary based on gym size, demographics, implementation, and other factors.

Questions About Our Research?

We're happy to discuss the evidence behind our approach and provide additional research references upon request.