Binge Eating Disorder Life Expectancy:2025 Report
September 16th, 2025
Important Life Expectancy Finding
Average American Life Expectancy (2025):
Estimated Life Expectancy with Untreated BED:
That's 3-5 years shorter than the national average
Life Expectancy Overview: BED vs. General Population
The table below compares life expectancy across different scenarios for individuals with Binge Eating Disorder, emphasizing the importance of treatment for long-term health outcomes.
Life Expectancy Comparison: 2025
| Population Group | Expected Lifespan | Years Below National Average |
|---|---|---|
| General U.S. Population | 79.2 years | Baseline |
| BED - No Treatment | 74-76 years | 3-5 years shorter |
| BED - With Treatment | 77-79 years | 0-2 years shorter |
| BED - Full Recovery | 78-79 years | Near normal lifespan |
Key Life Expectancy Insights:
- BED has the smallest direct life expectancy reduction among eating disorders, but significant cumulative health impacts over time.
- The primary life expectancy impact comes from obesity-related complications including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders.
- Treatment can restore most of the life expectancy gap, particularly when addressing both eating behaviors and weight management.
- BED has excellent recovery potential with the right treatment approach, leading to near-normal life expectancy outcomes.
Life Expectancy by Gender
Gender differences in BED are less pronounced than other eating disorders, but still show distinct patterns in health outcomes and life expectancy impacts.
Life Expectancy by Gender: 2025
| Gender | General Population Life Expectancy | With BED (Untreated) | Years Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Females | 81.1 years | 77-79 years | 2-4 years |
| Males | 76.1 years | 72-74 years | 2-4 years |
Key Insights:
- Both genders show similar life expectancy reductions with BED, unlike other eating disorders where females are disproportionately affected.
- Males represent a higher percentage of BED cases compared to anorexia and bulimia, making gender-inclusive treatment approaches important.
- Cardiovascular complications may affect males more severely, while females face greater risks from diabetes and metabolic complications.
- Both genders respond well to treatment, with significant life expectancy restoration possible.
Life Expectancy: BED vs. Other Eating Disorders
Comparing BED's life expectancy impact to other eating disorders shows its unique position as having lower direct mortality but significant long-term health consequences.
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 | 52-77% |
Key Insights:
- BED has the least severe direct life expectancy impact among eating disorders, but the effects are gradual and cumulative.
- The life expectancy reduction comes primarily from obesity-related health complications rather than acute medical emergencies.
- BED has strong recovery rates, with some treatment approaches showing up to 77% success in long-term studies.
- The gradual nature of BED's health impact means early intervention can prevent most life expectancy reduction.
Impact of Treatment on Life Expectancy
Treatment for BED shows excellent outcomes for both symptom resolution and life expectancy restoration, with multiple effective therapeutic approaches available.
Life Expectancy by Treatment Status: 2025
| Treatment Level | Expected Life Expectancy | Years Gained vs. No Treatment | Percentage Achieving Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Treatment | 74-76 years | Baseline | 20-30% |
| Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | 77-78 years | +2-3 years | 52% |
| Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) | 78-79 years | +3-4 years | 77% |
Key Insights:
- BED has among the best treatment responses of all eating disorders, with some approaches showing over 75% recovery rates.
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) shows particularly strong long-term outcomes for BED patients.
- Both CBT and IPT approaches can restore most of the life expectancy gap for individuals with BED.
- Treatment significantly reduces the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other obesity-related health complications.
How Long Did the Illness Last: Duration Impact on Life Expectancy
The duration of untreated BED affects life expectancy primarily through the development of obesity-related health complications over time.
Life Expectancy by Illness Duration: 2025
| Duration Before Treatment | Expected Life Expectancy | Years Below National Average | Recovery Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | 78-79 years | 0-1 years shorter | 75-85% |
| 2-5 years | 77-78 years | 1-2 years shorter | 65-75% |
| 5-10 years | 75-77 years | 2-4 years shorter | 50-65% |
| More than 10 years | 72-75 years | 4-7 years shorter | 40-55% |
Key Insights:
- Early treatment within two years can preserve nearly normal life expectancy with excellent recovery rates.
- Each additional year of delayed treatment corresponds to gradual accumulation of health complications.
- Chronic BED (10+ years) may lead to established medical conditions that affect long-term health outcomes.
- Even long-term BED responds well to treatment, though recovery rates are somewhat lower than early intervention cases.
Take Home Message:
Without treatment: 3-5 years shorter than average American lifespan
With comprehensive treatment: Near-normal life expectancy restoration
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.
Hilbert, A., et al. (2012). Long-term efficacy of psychological treatments for binge eating disorder. British Journal of Psychiatry, 200(3), 232-237.
Grilo, C. M., & Mitchell, J. E. (2023). Binge-Eating Disorder Interventions: Review, Current Status, and Implications. Psychiatric Clinics of North America.
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.
Deloitte Access Economics. (2020). The Social and Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in the United States of America. Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders.
