Around 40% of U.S. high schoolers report binge‑eating in past month, new CDC data shows

A recent CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that roughly four in ten high school students said they had engaged in binge‑eating during the previous month, marking the first time the biennial survey has measured this behavior.

The study, which sampled about 7,000 students, also revealed that 17% reported binge‑eating within the three days before the survey. Female respondents were slightly more likely to binge‑eat than males, with rates of 19% versus 16%.

The data indicated higher prevalence among students of color, though the report was cut off before full details were provided. Researchers called the findings alarming and highlighted the need for targeted interventions.

Public health officials see the results as a call to address disordered eating patterns in adolescents, especially in communities that may face additional health disparities.