Disordered eating doubles risk of premature mortality, research shows

In a first-of-its-kind study, Dr. Pardis Pedram, MD, PhD, a postdoctoral associate at the University of Calgary, followed a subset of the general population to study the impact of eating disorders. Of the nearly 32,000 people who participated in the study, just over 150 self-reported a diagnosed eating disorder. The study followed the participants for 15 years, linking with statistics from a Canada-wide mortality database. Previous studies generally involved small subsets of groups with eating disorders, limited only to those in treatment settings.

“Eating disorders are a serious mental illness,” says Pedram. “People tend to view eating disorders as having less significant impact on mental health, which leads to stigma and attempts to minimize symptoms and struggles.”

The study, published in Nutrients, showed that a lifetime history of an eating disorder increases risk of premature mortality nearly five times in the general Canadian population. This indicates a strong connection between eating disorders and mortality. Prevalence of an eating disorder nearly doubles the risk of mortality as compared with other self-reported mental illness.

The study included both those living with anorexia nervosa as well as bulimia nervosa. Eating disorders are associated with significant psychological, physiological, and interpersonal consequences. If left untreated, these illnesses can develop a persistent and long-term course resulting in a reduced quality of life, poor self-esteem, and social isolation. 

Eating disorders are multi-determined with a combination of socio-cultural, genetic, and individual factors contributing to both the development and maintenance of these disorders. The study emphasized the importance of responding early to disordered eating; early detection and intervention are critical to supporting those people struggling with body image and the relationship between food and weight.

"It’s important to move away from seeing eating disorders as just a weight issue,” says Dr. Gina Dimitropoulos, PhD, one of the supervisors for the project and associate professor in the Faculty of Social Work.

An eating disorder is about so much more than just a number. Anorexia and bulimia nervosa can interfere with every aspect of a person’s health and mental health, sense of self, academic and vocational success and their ability to connect with peers and family.

Stigma around eating disorders is pervasive, both in individuals living with the disorder as well as in those around them. Lack of understanding, and views of weight loss as being inherently positive versus concerning, are all contributing factors. This study indicates that eating disorders are not a trivial concern, and in fact have profound impact on quality of life and eventual mortality.

For more resources and information on eating disorders, please visit the following links:

• Calgary Silver Linings
• Body Brave
• National Eating Disorders Information Centre
• Access Mental Health for a referral to the Calgary Eating Disorder Program