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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
07:46
Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
Death from anorexia nervosa: age span and sex differences.
P L Hewitt1, S Coren, G D Steel
1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Aging & Mental Health
|August 22, 2001
Summary
Anorexia nervosa caused an average of 145 deaths annually in the USA between 1986-90. This eating disorder affects various age groups and sexes, not just young women.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder with significant health consequences.
- Understanding the mortality patterns associated with anorexia nervosa is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of anorexia nervosa as a cause of death in the USA.
- To analyze the demographic characteristics of individuals who died from anorexia nervosa.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of over 10 million death records from the National Center for Health Statistics (USA) between 1986-1990.
- Inclusion criteria: Anorexia nervosa listed as a primary or contributing cause of death.
Main Results:
- A total of 724 deaths were attributed to anorexia nervosa, averaging 145 deaths per year.
- The mortality rate was 6.73 per 100,000 deaths.
- Two distinct fatal forms were identified: an early-onset form (89% female) and a later-onset form (24% male).
Conclusions:
- Mortality risk from anorexia nervosa may be lower than previously estimated.
- Anorexia nervosa mortality is not limited to adolescents and young adults.
- The study highlights the need for broader awareness and targeted interventions across different age demographics.
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