Mortality Risks for The Most Common Eating Disorders

Eating disorders have among the highest mortality rates of all mental health conditions. The conditions manifest across all demographics, leading to serious repercussions for both physical health and mental well-being.

In a previous blogpost we highlighted the specific medical and psychological risks associated with eating disorders. Today, however, we’ll zoom in on the biggest risk of all: premature end-of-life. As we delve into this important topic, it’s crucial to understand that behind every statistic is a real person, a family, and a story that deserves attention and understanding.

Mortality in Eating Disorders

The most serious risk for all eating disorders is the link with elevated mortality rates. Whether the person struggles with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder – each present unique challenges and risks associated with serious impairment and tragic conclusions.

Research indicates that mortality rates can vary significantly among the different types of eating disorders. Understanding the differing mortality rates is important for awareness and education. Although anorexia nervosa is recognised as one of the deadliest psychiatric conditions, it’s important not to discount the risk associated with other eating disorder diagnoses.

Mortality Risk for Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is commonly seen as the most profound serious eating disorder, characterised by a fear of gaining weight and a relentless pursuit of thinness, often leading to extreme food restriction and significant weight loss. People struggling with anorexia nervosa may exhibit behaviours such as severe calorie restriction, excessive exercise, and the use of laxatives or diuretics to lose weight.

The physical manifestations of this disorder are severe, with malnutrition leading to a cascade of medical complications, including cardiac arrhythmias, bone density loss, and organ failure. Those affected frequently struggle with co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which not only exacerbate the severity of the eating disorder but also contribute to the elevated risk of suicide. The interplay between physical deterioration and psychological struggles experienced creates a dangerous situation for individuals with anorexia nervosa. Compounding this risk, those struggling with anorexia nervosa are often resistant to receiving treatment, with many individuals experiencing chronic symptoms and multiple relapses.

Anorexia nervosa is considered one of the deadliest mental disorders, and significantly higher than other eating disorders. Overall, the mortality rates for anorexia nervosa has been estimated to be 5.9 – 15.9 cases per 100 000, per year. It has the second highest mortality rate among psychiatric disorders, second only to opioid use disorder.

Mortality Risk for Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by efforts to regulate the negative emotions and aversive internal experiences (such as physically feeling full) that emerge after a binge. Binges are typically followed by compensatory behaviours such as voluntary purging, excessive exercise, or the misuse of laxatives and diuretics. The physical toll of these behaviours can be profound, significantly elevating the risk of premature end-of-life.

Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders share one key similarity – those who struggle with these disorders are not in the underweight range where body-mass index (BMI) is concerned. It’s important to note that only 6% of those diagnosed with eating disorders are medically underweight. This challenges the common stigma that most eating disorders present with a thin body or low weight. Thus, never assume that a person cannot have an eating disorder simply because of the weight of their body.

Similarly to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa is frequently accompanied by co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The emotional distress associated with this disorder can lead to a higher risk of self-harm and suicide. Overall, the mortality rates for bulimia nervosa has been estimated to be 1.7 – 2.2 cases per 100 000, per year.

Mortality Risk for Binge Eating Disorders (BED)

Binge-eating disorder is one of the most common eating disorders, characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, accompanied by a strong subjective feeling of losing control, without the use of any inappropriate compensatory behaviours afterwards. Many individuals with binge eating disorder report longstanding symptoms, being highly comorbid with obesity and is usually associated with several health risks, including Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. The disorder is also associated with marked distress and impairment in functioning.

In a nationally representative US-based study, virtually all (94%) reported lifetime mental health symptoms: 70% mood disorders, 68% substance use disorders, 59% anxiety disorders, 49% borderline personality disorder, and 32% posttraumatic stress disorder. Data on mortality within binge eating disorder are scarce, with the mortality rate is estimated to be 1.5 – 1.8 cases per 100 000, per year.

Mortality Risks for Eating Disorders in Australia

A report by the Butterfly foundation, Paying the Price: The Economic and Social impact of Eating Disorders in Australia, 2024, 2nd ed, highlights the mortality risks associated for eating disorders in Australia. The research estimated that the average premature all-cause mortality rate for those with an eating disorder is 0.12%, which equates to a total of 1,273 deaths in Australia in 2023 (for those aged 5 and above). Out of all the eating disorder types, anorexia nervosa presented the highest premature mortality rate at 0.14%. However, the number for premature mortality is greater for binge eating disorder and other eating disorders, as they are statistically more prevalent.

Conclusion

Every 62 minutes at least one person dies as a direct result from an eating disorder. Understanding mortality rates in eating disorders is crucial for recognizing the severity of these conditions and the importance of early intervention.

While the statistics can be alarming, they also emphasize why immediate action and support are so vital. Remember, behind every number is a person who deserves help, hope, and healing. Recovery is not just possible – it’s worth fighting for.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Reverence Recovery for a confidential consultation. For more information about eating disorders, visit our other informative articles on our Blog page.