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Economic Impact of Eating Disorders
When it comes to eating disorders, many people may think only of the impact that is felt on the individual themselves. The consequences of eating disorders are far-reaching, as these devastating psychiatric illnesses have an impact on both mental and physical health.
While eating disorders typically require professional intervention and treatment for healing and recovery, there continues to be a gap between the sufferer and resources needed for treatment.
Even with health insurance, the cost of eating disorder treatment over a lifetime can be beyond what a person can reasonably afford, especially for a chronic disease that may require some form of ongoing treatment.
Understanding the Economic Impact of Eating Disorders
Another aspect to consider about eating disorders is the impact created on our economy. Research has shown that on average, annual healthcare costs are almost $2000 greater among individuals with eating disorders compared to the general population [1]. In addition, individuals with eating disorders have been shown to be less likely to report any earnings in the past 12 months, with those earning an income to be lower than those without eating disorders [1].
The result of decreased earnings and increased cost of treatment are telling of the economic impact of eating disorders. However, this is only part of the story.
Individuals with eating disorders have also been shown to have lower employment rates, in addition to an overall loss of earnings. Eating disorder sufferers who are experiencing an overall loss in earnings associated with their illness is also magnified by the excess healthcare costs. It is also important to remember that eating disorders are chronic by nature, and treatment is usually not a one time thing.
Many eating disorder sufferers will experience relapse at some point in their recovery journey, which directly relates to their ability to hold a job or even have sustained, long-term income.
Working Towards Improving Care
Understanding the economic impact of eating disorders is important in that it stresses a need for cost-effectiveness of eating disorder treatment, as well as the need better invest in eating disorder prevention and treatment measures. Yes, individuals are deeply impacted by having an eating disorder, but these psychiatric illnesses impact our society as a whole, particularly when it comes to our economics.
The investment in improved prevention and treatment methods for eating disorders will have many benefits, among them economic.
Community Discussion – Share Your Thoughts Here!
What do you see as the economic benefits of improved access for eating disorder treatment?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Director of Content and Social Media for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335514000230The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on January 22, 2017
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
