Eating disorders have one of the highest fatality rates of any mental illness, at up to 10% as a result of cardiac arrest, factors related to starvation, or suicide. 77% of eating disorder patients report experiencing their disorder for between 1 and 15 years. Many long-term physiological consequences continue beyond the active phase of the disorder, including bone loss and risk for osteoporosis.
Treatment outcome studies suggest that multidisciplinary team approaches have been effective in helping patients recover. Weight restoration, medical stabilization, nutritional counseling, medication, and psychotherapy combine to provide the best chance of recovery. People with eating disorders can get past the day in – day out struggle with the fear and worry, but it takes time and professional help.