Evidence-Based Practice
All statistics and claims on our website are supported by published research from peer-reviewed journals and reputable health organisations.
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 risk”)
- Expert Interpretations: Interpretation of research findings, clearly labelled as estimates (e.g., “reality likely higher due to under-reporting”)
Key Research Findings
Finding: 19.4% (approximately 1 in 5) of gym members are at risk of disordered eating, with 15.5% reporting secretive eating behaviours and 11.6% having a history of eating disorders. Additionally, 62.5% report that body weight impacts their self-perception.[1]
Study Details: Study of 232 gym members in Norway using validated screening tools.
Disordered Eating in Fitness Professionals
Finding: 59% of female group fitness instructors and 22% of male instructors were classified with disordered eating. None of the instructors with self-reported eating disorders had disclosed this to their gym management.[2]
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 fitness-centre employees in Switzerland 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.[3]
Study Details: Survey of 99 fitness-centre employees in Switzerland.
Shame, Stigma, and Non-Disclosure in Gym Environments
Finding: International research has found significant associations between shame and eating disorder symptoms, while research in fitness settings has highlighted experiences of weight stigma and shame among gym members.[10,11]
UK Context: Currently, there is limited UK-specific research examining eating disorders and body image in gym and fitness environments, so we also draw on relevant international research alongside UK eating disorder organisations and policy initiatives.[12,13]
Binge Eating Prevalence (UK)
Finding: Binge Eating Disorder (BED) affects approximately 1 in 50 people in the UK (2% of the population), representing approximately 1.25 million people. BED is the most common eating disorder.[4,5,6]
Treatment Gap
Finding: Less than 50% of people with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) receive professional treatment.[6]
Gym Member Retention (UK)
Finding: Research on 342,759 UK gym members shows that only 52% maintain membership for 12 months, meaning 48% cancel within the first year.[7] Additional UK data shows the average membership length is 21 months for members who eventually cancel.[9]
Important Notes on Our Statistics
Understanding the Hidden Numbers
Throughout our website, we reference that “the reality is likely to be higher than reported statistics.” This is our interpretation based on:
- Research shows 1 in 5 are at risk, while less than 50% ever seek treatment
- Studies demonstrating high rates of secrecy and non-disclosure in fitness environments
- The stigma is particularly associated with food struggles in gym culture, where “perfect” eating and a “perfect body” are expected
- Lived experience from 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 published statistics that likely underrepresent the true prevalence due to systematic under-reporting.
Complete Reference List
[1] 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. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12120343
[2] Bratland-Sanda, S., Sundgot-Borgen, J., Rø, Ø., Rosenvinge, J.H., Hoffart, A., & Martinsen, E.W. (2015). Disordered eating behaviour among group fitness instructors: a health-threatening secret? Journal of Eating Disorders, 3, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-015-0059-x
[3] Colledge, F., Cody, R., Pühse, U., & Gerber, M. (2020). Responses of fitness centre employees to cases of suspected eating disorders or excessive exercise. Journal of Eating Disorders, 8, 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-020-0284-9
[4] Priory Group. (2025). Eating Disorder Statistics UK 2025. https://www.priorygroup.com/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-statistics
[5] Beat UK. (2024). How many people have an eating disorder in the UK? https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
[6] NHS Matrix Scotland. (2024). Binge Eating Disorder Evidence Summary. https://www.matrix.nhs.scot/evidence-summaries/mental-health-difficulties-across-the-lifespan/binge-eating-disorder/
[7] Bedford, P. (2013). The National Retention Report (The White Report). Study of 342,759 UK member records, 2009-2012. Health Club Management. https://www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/health-club-management-features/Attention-retention/28332
[8] International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). (2024). Industry Data Reports.
[9] Xplor Gym. (2025). The importance of member retention for gyms. Based on 714,674 UK & Ireland gym members. https://xplorgym.co.uk/blog/member-retention/
[10] Nechita, D., Bud, S., & David, D. (2021). Shame and eating disorders symptoms: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 54(11), 1899-1945. [International meta-analysis] https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23583
[11] Schvey, N.A., Sbrocco, T., Bakalar, J.L., Ress, R., Barmine, M., Gorlick, J., & Tanofsky-Kraff, M. (2017). The experience of weight stigma among gym members with overweight and obesity. Stigma and Health, 2(4), 292-306. [USA] https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000062
[12] ED-informed. (2025). About ED-informed: Policy proposal for eating disorder safeguarding in UK gyms and fitness spaces. [UK] https://www.edinformed.org/learn-more
[13] Beat UK. (2025). Public Health Not Public Shaming: Campaign addressing stigma and shame in obesity and eating disorder messaging. [UK] https://beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-involved/campaign/current/public-health-not-public-shaming