Anorexia Nervosa Life Exepectancy: 2025 Report
September 16th, 2025
Critical Life Expectancy Finding
Average American Life Expectancy (2025):
Estimated Life Expectancy with Untreated Anorexia:
That's 9-14 years shorter than the national average
Life Expectancy Overview: Anorexia vs. General Population
The table below compares life expectancy across different scenarios for individuals with Anorexia Nervosa, highlighting the critical importance of treatment.
Life Expectancy Comparison: 2025
| Population Group | Expected Lifespan | Years Below National Average |
|---|---|---|
| General U.S. Population | 79.2 years | Baseline |
| Anorexia - No Treatment | 65-67 years | 12-14 years shorter |
| Anorexia - Outpatient Treatment | 70-74 years | 5-9 years shorter |
| Anorexia - Full Recovery | 76-78 years | 1-3 years shorter |
Critical Life Expectancy Insights:
- Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, reducing life expectancy by over a decade when untreated.
- Even with treatment, some reduction in life expectancy may persist due to long-term medical complications.
- Early intervention is critical - the sooner treatment begins, the closer life expectancy returns to normal levels.
- Recovery is possible and dramatically improves expected lifespan, though full recovery rates are lower than other eating disorders.
Life Expectancy by Gender
Gender significantly influences both anorexia prevalence and its impact on expected lifespan, with distinct patterns between males and females.
Life Expectancy by Gender: 2025
| Gender | General Population Life Expectancy | With Anorexia (Untreated) | Years Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Females | 81.1 years | 66-69 years | 12-15 years |
| Males | 76.1 years | 64-67 years | 9-12 years |
Key Insights:
- Females face a greater absolute reduction in life expectancy, losing up to 15 years compared to their baseline longevity.
- Males with anorexia, though less common, still face severe life expectancy reductions of nearly a decade.
- The 10:1 female-to-male ratio means the majority of anorexia-related deaths occur in young women.
- Both genders show significant improvement in expected lifespan with comprehensive treatment and recovery.
Life Expectancy: Anorexia vs. Other Eating Disorders
Comparing anorexia's life expectancy impact to other eating disorders demonstrates why it requires the most urgent and intensive intervention.
Eating Disorder Life Expectancy Comparison: 2025
| Eating Disorder | Expected Life Expectancy | Years Below National Average | Recovery Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Eating Disorder | 79.2 years | Baseline | N/A |
| Anorexia Nervosa | 65-70 years | 9-14 years shorter | 46-60% |
| Bulimia Nervosa | 69-73 years | 6-10 years shorter | 68% |
| Binge Eating Disorder | 74-76 years | 3-5 years shorter | 45% |
Key Insights:
- Anorexia nervosa has the most severe life expectancy impact of all eating disorders, with potential loss of over a decade of life.
- While recovery rates for anorexia are lower than bulimia, they are still significant enough to justify aggressive treatment efforts.
- The combination of severe medical complications and high suicide risk makes anorexia uniquely dangerous to lifespan.
- Even partial recovery from anorexia can add years back to expected life expectancy.
Impact of Treatment on Life Expectancy
Treatment dramatically improves expected lifespan for individuals with anorexia nervosa, though recovery rates remain challenging.
Life Expectancy by Treatment Status: 2025
| Treatment Level | Expected Life Expectancy | Years Gained vs. No Treatment | Percentage Achieving Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Treatment | 65-67 years | Baseline | 10-15% |
| Outpatient Treatment | 70-73 years | +5-6 years | 30-35% |
| Intensive Treatment (Residential/Family-Based) | 74-77 years | +9-10 years | 46-60% |
Key Insights:
- Intensive treatment can restore nearly a decade of life expectancy, making the difference between a shortened life and approaching normal lifespan.
- Family-based therapy for adolescents shows some of the highest recovery rates and best life expectancy outcomes.
- Even modest treatment interventions provide substantial life expectancy improvements compared to no treatment.
- Long-term recovery support is essential, as sustained recovery dramatically improves expected lifespan.
How Long Did the Illness Last: Duration Impact on Life Expectancy
The length of time someone experiences anorexia before receiving treatment critically affects their expected lifespan and recovery potential.
Life Expectancy by Illness Duration: 2025
| Duration Before Treatment | Expected Life Expectancy | Years Below National Average | Recovery Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 75-78 years | 1-4 years shorter | 65-75% |
| 1-3 years | 71-74 years | 5-8 years shorter | 50-60% |
| 3-5 years | 67-71 years | 8-12 years shorter | 35-45% |
| More than 5 years | 63-68 years | 11-16 years shorter | 20-30% |
Key Insights:
- Early intervention within the first year is absolutely critical - it can preserve most of a person's natural life expectancy.
- Each year of delayed treatment corresponds to approximately 2-3 additional years of life expectancy reduction.
- Chronic anorexia (5+ years) creates severe, often irreversible medical complications that significantly impact lifespan.
- Even with extended illness duration, treatment remains worthwhile and can still add meaningful years to life expectancy.
Take Home Message:
Without treatment: 9-14 years shorter than average American lifespan
With comprehensive treatment: Significant life expectancy restoration, approaching normal levels
Sources:
Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: a meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731.
Søeby, K., et al. (2024). Overall and cause-specific mortality in anorexia nervosa; impact of psychiatric comorbidity and sex in a 40-year follow-up study. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Eddy, K. T., et al. (2017). Recovery from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa at 22-year follow-up. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 78:2.
Steinhausen, H. C. (2002). The outcome of anorexia nervosa in the 20th century. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159(8), 1284-1293.
National Center for Health Statistics. (2025). Mortality in the United States, 2023. NCHS Data Brief, no 521.
Martinez-Gonzalez, M. A., et al. (2025). Meta-analysis of mortality rates in eating disorders: An update of the literature from 2010 to 2024. Clinical Psychology Review.
