A recent study has highlighted alarming long-term health risks associated with eating disorders (ED), indicating that individuals diagnosed with these conditions face significantly elevated mortality rates, as well as increased risks of kidney failure and liver disease. Even years after diagnosis, the consequences remain severe, prompting experts to call for greater awareness and support from healthcare services.
The study, conducted in the United Kingdom, found that patients diagnosed with an eating disorder are at a markedly higher risk of death, with mortality rates continuing to rise well beyond the initial years following diagnosis. Specifically, within the first year, patients face a risk of dying from any cause that is more than four times higher than those without an eating disorder. In addition, deaths from unnatural causes occur at a rate five times greater than in the general population.
Five years after diagnosis, the disparity remains stark, with ED patients experiencing 43 additional deaths per 10,000 individuals and 184 more unnatural deaths per 100,000 individuals compared to their non-ED counterparts. The situation worsens at the ten-year mark, with the statistics rising to 95 excess deaths per 10,000 individuals and 341 unnatural deaths per 100,000 individuals.
“Raising awareness among healthcare providers about the lasting effects of eating disorders and the need for ongoing support in managing current symptoms and recovery is essential,” stated researchers, including eating disorder experts Ethan Nella and Jennifer Couturier from McMaster University in Canada, who were not directly involved in this study. Their research underscores the need for a shift in how healthcare services address the long-term consequences of these conditions.
The data reveals that nearly 89% of the patients studied were women, with two-thirds aged between 10 and 24 years. In the first year after diagnosis, the risks extend beyond mortality. Patients are six times more likely to develop kidney failure and nearly seven times more prone to liver disease, with these risks remaining significantly elevated even a decade later.
The findings emphasize that eating disorders affect millions globally, yet their long-term consequences are often overlooked. As the research illustrates, it is crucial for healthcare providers to prioritize comprehensive care strategies that include long-term monitoring and support for individuals recovering from eating disorders, ensuring that they receive the necessary resources to navigate their health challenges effectively.
In summary, the study serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of eating disorders on health, highlighting an urgent need for heightened awareness and proactive management within healthcare systems worldwide.
