Outlook (Prognosis)

Outlook

Anorexia nervosa is a serious condition that can be deadly. By some estimates, it leads to death in 10% of cases. Experienced treatment programs can help people with the condition return to a normal weight, but it is common for the disease to return.

Women who develop this eating disorder at an early age have a better chance of recovering completely. However, most people with anorexia will continue to prefer a lower body weight and be very focused on food and calories.

Weight management may be hard. Long-term treatment may be needed to stay at a healthy weight.

Once a person seeks help, it usually takes five to six years of treatment to fully recover, and relapses are common. Around half of people with anorexia will continue to have problems related to healthy eating despite treatment.

Despite being an uncommon condition, anorexia is one of the leading causes of mental health-related deaths. This can be due to the effects of malnutrition or as a result ofsuicide.