Putting a dollar value on eating disorders: What is next?: Commentary on Streatfeild et al. (2021).

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) have been associated with economic and quality of life burden. Several cost-of-illness studies has been reported, however, the study by Streatfeild et al. (2021) for the first time provided a comprehensive analysis of the economic burden of EDs in the United States. This study provides an opportunity to highlight the critical need for evaluating effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of preventive and treatment interventions for EDs. However, to be able to do, this further enhancement and inclusion of EDs into population health surveillance and health services data are required. While there were some limitations in the cost-of-illness study undertaken by Streatfeild et al. (2021), it does nonetheless present very reasonable recommendations as to what is required next. We agree that the likely impacts and costs of EDs are substantive and there is certainly a strong case for further research investment in this traditionally underinvested area.