Eating disorders may have lasting effects on both physical and mental health, new research suggests, showing elevated risks for serious conditions even a decade after diagnosis.
The study, published in BMJ Medicine, examined around 24,700 patients in England diagnosed with eating disorders and compared them with nearly 493,000 individuals without such conditions. Most participants were female, representing 89 percent of the study population. Among those with eating disorders, 15 percent had anorexia nervosa, 21 percent had bulimia nervosa, and 5 percent had binge eating disorder. The remaining 60 percent had other or unspecified eating disorders.
Within the first year following diagnosis, patients were significantly more likely to develop liver disease, kidney failure, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart failure, depression, self-harm, or attempt suicide than those without eating disorders. Although risks declined over time, elevated rates persisted at five and ten years after diagnosis, highlighting the long-term health burden associated with these conditions.
The researchers noted that pre-existing health problems, particularly mental health conditions, were more common among people who developed eating disorders. These underlying conditions may increase vulnerability to both the onset and severity of the disorders, complicating recovery.
The findings have implications for the estimated 16 million people worldwide affected by eating disorders, conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits and strong concerns about body image. The study’s authors emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring of physical health in people with a history of eating disorders, even after they recover from the immediate symptoms.
General practitioners are encouraged to coordinate care with specialists to address the complex needs of these patients. The research team identified a potential gap in treatment provision for individuals whose conditions are too complicated for brief interventions but not severe enough to qualify for specialist teams.
The study also acknowledged limitations, including a lack of data on the severity of each patient’s eating disorder, which could influence long-term health outcomes. Despite this, the analysis offers new insights into the prolonged impact of eating disorders and underscores the importance of sustained medical support.
“This research highlights that recovery from an eating disorder does not eliminate the health risks associated with the condition,” the authors wrote. They stressed that medical professionals should remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring both mental and physical health for years after a diagnosis.
With the persistence of elevated risks over a decade, the study calls attention to the importance of a long-term approach to care for individuals recovering from eating dis
