Prevalence of eating disorders, eating disorder risk, and body image dissatisfaction across Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Eating disorders (EDs) and risk of EDs, including body image dissatisfaction (BID), have traditionally been viewed as problems of Western and high-income countries. However, emerging evidence highlights their presence across diverse populations, including those in Africa. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised studies on EDs, ED risk, and BID in Africa; estimated pooled prevalence for each; examined potential moderators (e.g., region, age, sex, and assessment tools); and assessed study quality. The search was executed using five databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and PsycINFO) up to January 2026. A total of 75 studies were included in both the systematic review and meta-analysis, providing 96 data-points: 22 on EDs, 57 on ED risk, and 17 on BID. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to estimate the pooled prevalence, along with subgroup and meta-regression analyses. EDs' point prevalence was 1.1% (95%CI: 0.5, 2.4), with binge eating disorder being the most prevalent subtype (2.1%) and anorexia nervosa the least (0.4%). ED risk was 16.0% (95%CI: 12.1, 20.8) and BID was 59.3% (95%CI: 52.1, 66.1). High heterogeneity was observed across studies. Meta-regression analyses revealed notable regional differences in EDs and ED risk prevalence across Africa, with higher rates in Northern regions and lower rates in Eastern and Western regions. Prevalence also varied across the assessment tool used. Three-quarters of the included studies were rated as high quality. Our review highlights an overlooked yet alarming burden of EDs, ED risk, and BID in Africa—moderated by region and assessment tool—underscoring the urgent need for an appropriate response. • In Africa, 1.1% have EDs, 16.0% are at risk, and 59.3% report body dissatisfaction. • A considerable proportion of participants desire to gain weight rather than to lose. • The North Africa region bears a higher burden of EDs than the rest of the continent. • Stakeholders must act promptly before ED consequences mount in Africa.