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: Our interpretation of research findings, clearly labelled as estimates (e.g., “reality likely 2-3x higher due to under-reporting”)
- Industry Standards: Widely accepted figures from fitness industry reports (e.g., “48% cancel within the first year.”)
Key Research Findings
Finding: 19.4% of gym members 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: Cross-sectional 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. Notably, 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 (effect sizes between .40 and .52), with body shame and shame around eating being most strongly tied to disordered eating.[10] Studies from Norway, the USA, and Australia show that gym environments intensify weight stigma and internalised shame, leading members to conceal their struggles.[1,11,12]
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)[15] and ED-informed (UK policy initiative)[13] report that 75% of UK gym staff suspect clients of eating disorders but lack training, and emphasise that shame and stigma in fitness environments delay help-seeking and worsen illness severity. Bristol University partnered with Beat and WorkEDout[14] to create specialised training for fitness staff specifically to address shame and stigma in UK gym environments.
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 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 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 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 are illustrative projections based on:
- Industry-standard membership pricing (£40-60/month average)
- Published retention statistics (48% cancel within first year)
- 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.
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 center 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] National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC). Sports & Fitness Professionals: Early Intervention Guidelines. [Australia] https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/early-intervention/sports-and-fitness-professionals/
[13] 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
[14] Bristol University Students’ Union. (2020). “Changing Our Language to Embrace Body Positivity” – Motion passed June 8, 2020. Training created in collaboration with Beat UK and WorkEDout to address weight stigma, diet culture, eating disorders and shame in gym environments. [UK] Featured in Health Club Management, Sports Management, HEPI, and Marie Claire UK. https://www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/health-club-management-features/Fat-shaming/34673
[15] 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