Is eating disorders a risk agent for all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between eating disorders and mortality. Based on this, eating disorders were investigated concerning all causes of mortality. Information sources including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used based on a systematic search. Google Scholar and Research Gate were also searched. The search in these databases started without a time limit and was done until December 2023. This search was done in English. The results extracted were pooled together based on the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) with a 95% confidence interval. The random effects method was used to pool studies together. An analysis was performed based on eating disorders and mortality, and the relationship between three types of eating disorders and mortality was reported as subgroups. Sixty studies were included in the meta-analysis. The obtained results showed that eating disorders have a significant relationship with the risk of mortality; SMR was 4.42 (CI 3.55–5.50; Z = 13.31; p < .001; I 2 = 96.3%). Anorexia nervosa has a significant relationship with the risk of mortality, SMR was 5.31 (CI 4.15–6.79; Z = 13.30; p < .001; I 2 = 93.1%). For bulimia nervosa the risk of mortality was SMR 2.69 (CI 1.85–3.91; Z = 5.16; p < .001; I 2 = 66.6%). For eating disorders not otherwise specified the risk of mortality was SMR 2.50 (CI 1.45–4.33; Z = 3.28; p = .001; I 2 = 91.8%). From the findings of this research, it was determined how serious the risk of death is in patients with eating disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to this issue in the processes of prevention, screening, and treatment of eating disorders.