• For women aged 15-24, Eating Disorders are among the top four leading causes of burden of disease in terms of years of life lost through death or disability.
  • Anorexia Nervosa has one of the highest overall mortality rates and the highest suicide rate of any psychiatric disorder. The risk of death is three times higher than in depression, schizophrenia or alcoholism and 12 times higher than in the general population.
  • Up to 10% of women with Anorexia Nervosa may die due to anorexia-related causes. Early recognition of symptoms and proper treatment can reduce the risk of death. Deaths in Anorexia Nervosa mainly result from complications of starvation or from suicide.
  • Health consequences such as osteoporosis (brittle bones), gastrointestinal complications, and dental problems are significant health and financial burdens throughout life.
  • Quality of life is severely impaired in all Eating Disorders.