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 clinical risk”)
- Expert Interpretations: Interpretation of research findings, clearly labelled as estimates (e.g., “reality likely 2-3x higher due to under-reporting”)
Key Research Findings
Finding: 1 in 5 gym members 19.4%, are at clinical 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 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.[3]
Study Details: Survey of 99 gym employees in Switzerland.
Shame, Stigma, and Non-Disclosure in Gym Environments
Finding: International research shows that shame is significantly associated with eating disorder symptoms, with body shame and shame around eating being most strongly tied to disordered eating.[10] Studies from Norway and the USA show that gym environments intensify weight stigma and internalised shame, leading members to hide their struggles.[1,11]
UK Context: While these specific studies are from Norway, the USA, and international meta-analyses, UK eating disorder organisations have raised identical concerns. Beat (UK’s leading eating disorder charity)[13] and ED-informed (UK policy initiative)[12] report that 75% of UK gym staff suspect clients of eating disorders, and emphasise that shame and stigma in fitness environments could delay help-seeking and worsen illness severity.
Binge Eating Prevalence (UK)
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.[4,5,6]
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 specialised services.[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 2-3x higher than reported statistics.” This is our interpretation based on:
- Research shows 1 in 5 are at clinical 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