A comprehensive study has revealed that eating disorders significantly impact both physical and mental health for years after diagnosis. Researchers found that conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are associated with a heightened risk of serious health complications, including diabetes, kidney or liver failure, and even premature death. The findings, published in the journal BMJ Medicine on March 4, 2025, underscore the necessity of ongoing health monitoring for individuals with a history of eating disorders.
The study, led by Catharine Morgan, an epidemiologist at the University of Manchester, analyzed medical records from over 24,700 individuals aged 10 to 44 diagnosed with an eating disorder. This group was compared with nearly 493,000 individuals without such disorders. The results painted a stark picture: individuals with eating disorders faced a significantly increased risk of various health issues within the first year of their diagnosis.
Within this initial year, the study reported that those affected were:
– 6 times more likely to experience kidney failure.
– Almost 7 times more likely to develop liver disease.
– 6 times more likely to suffer from osteoporosis.
– Twice as likely to encounter heart failure.
– 3 times more likely to develop diabetes.
– 7 times more likely to experience depression.
– Over 9 times more likely to self-harm.
– 14 times more likely to attempt suicide.
The overarching finding indicated that individuals with eating disorders had more than a fourfold greater risk of dying prematurely from any cause, with a fivefold increased risk of dying from unnatural causes such as suicide.
The research team highlighted that many of these risks persisted years after the initial diagnosis. For instance, the risk of kidney and liver disease remained between 2.5 to 4 times higher even after five years. Furthermore, the likelihood of premature death was still 2 to 3 times greater a decade post-diagnosis, with the risk of suicide remaining nearly 3 times higher after ten years.
The findings suggest a pressing need for healthcare systems to prioritize the long-term health of individuals recovering from eating disorders. The research team emphasized, “Our data describe the substantial long-term effects of eating disorders and highlight the potential opportunity for primary care to play a greater role in offering support and long-term monitoring for these individuals.”
Echoing these sentiments, an editorial from researchers at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, led by Jennifer Couturier, agreed with the study’s conclusions. The editorial stated, “Eating disorders affect millions of individuals worldwide, yet their consequences are under-recognized.” The authors noted that multiple organ systems are impacted by eating disorders, necessitating an integrated approach to patient care. They advocated for primary care providers to lead and coordinate treatment efforts, emphasizing the importance of early and ongoing intervention.
The implications of this study are profound, calling for heightened awareness among healthcare providers about the enduring effects of eating disorders. Ongoing support for managing both current symptoms and recovery is essential to improve long-term health outcomes for affected individuals.
For further information on eating disorders, resources are available through the American Psychiatric Association.
