A recent study highlights the severe long-term health risks associated with eating disorders (ED), indicating that individuals diagnosed with these conditions face significantly elevated risks of mortality, kidney failure, and liver disease even years after their initial diagnosis. Researchers are urging healthcare providers to recognize and address these overlooked consequences, which could substantially impact patient care.
The findings, which focus on patients in the United Kingdom, reveal that even five to ten years post-diagnosis, individuals with eating disorders are at an increased risk of death. Specifically, the study shows that within the first year after diagnosis, the risk of mortality from any cause is more than four times higher for ED patients compared to the general population. Deaths from unnatural causes are recorded as being five times more likely among those with eating disorders.
Over time, the trend continues to worsen. Beyond the five-year mark, individuals with eating disorders experience a mortality rate that is significantly higher than their peers, translating to an additional 43 deaths per 10,000 individuals from any cause, and an alarming 184 unnatural deaths per 100,000. As time progresses, these figures escalate dramatically; at the ten-year mark, the excess deaths increase to 95 per 10,000 and 341 unnatural deaths per 100,000 individuals.
The study reveals that individuals with eating disorders are at nearly 14 times the risk of dying by suicide within the first year following diagnosis. Even after a decade, their risk remains approximately three times greater than that of individuals without eating disorders. Furthermore, in the first year post-diagnosis, these patients are six times more likely to develop kidney failure and nearly seven times more prone to liver disease. Alarmingly, these elevated risks persist well into the long term.
The research was conducted by a team at McMaster University in Canada, which included experts in the field of eating disorders. According to Ethan Nella and Jennifer Couturier, both researchers from McMaster University, “Eating disorders affect millions of individuals worldwide, yet their consequences are under-recognized.” They emphasize the critical need for healthcare providers to acknowledge the lasting effects of these disorders and to provide ongoing support for patients managing current symptoms and recovery.
As awareness of these long-term health risks grows, healthcare systems must adapt to ensure that individuals diagnosed with eating disorders receive comprehensive care that addresses both immediate and future health concerns. Recognizing the far-reaching impact of eating disorders is essential for improving outcomes and providing patients with the support they need to navigate their recovery journeys.
The study serves as a crucial reminder that the consequences of eating disorders extend far beyond initial treatment, requiring a more holistic approach in healthcare to support affected individuals throughout their lives.
