A recent study sheds light on the alarming long-term health risks associated with eating disorders (ED). Individuals diagnosed with these disorders face significantly elevated risks of mortality, kidney failure, and liver disease even years after their initial diagnosis. Experts are calling for healthcare services to enhance their focus on these serious and often overlooked consequences.
Research conducted in the United Kingdom reveals that patients with eating disorders remain at a heightened risk of death long after diagnosis. Specifically, findings indicate that even five to ten years post-diagnosis, these individuals experience an increased risk of mortality, kidney failure, and liver disease.
The study highlights that within the first year following their diagnosis, the risk of dying from any cause is more than four times higher among ED patients compared to the general population. Notably, deaths from unnatural causes are five times more likely in this group. Beyond the five-year mark, the mortality rate for ED patients continues to exceed that of non-ED patients, with an additional 43 deaths per 10,000 individuals and 184 unnatural deaths per 100,000 individuals.
The figures become even more concerning at the ten-year mark. The risk of death increases to 95 excess deaths per 10,000 individuals and 341 unnatural deaths per 100,000 individuals. According to researchers, individuals with eating disorders are nearly 14 times more likely to die by suicide within the first year, a risk that remains three times greater than that of the general population even a decade later.
In addition to the increased mortality risks, those with eating disorders are also significantly more vulnerable to developing severe health issues. Within the first year after their diagnosis, ED patients are six times more likely to experience kidney failure and nearly seven times more prone to liver disease. Alarmingly, these risks remain elevated well beyond the ten-year mark.
Experts emphasize the importance of raising awareness among healthcare providers about the enduring effects of eating disorders. Both Ethan Nella and Jennifer Couturier, researchers from McMaster University in Canada, stress the necessity of ongoing support in managing current symptoms and recovery.
Eating disorders affect millions globally, yet their long-term consequences often go unrecognized. As healthcare systems strive to improve patient outcomes, it is essential that they address these hidden health risks. Understanding the persistent challenges faced by individuals with eating disorders can lead to better treatment plans and support systems, ultimately improving their quality of life.
This study serves as a timely reminder of the importance of comprehensive care for those struggling with eating disorders, emphasizing that recovery must include long-term health monitoring and support.
