What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have eating disorders?

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have eating disorders?

People who get treatment for eating disorders often recover and go on to lead healthy lives. It’s helpful to detect a problem early and start treatment right away.

There are different levels of care, including:

• Outpatient therapy (once a week counseling).
• Intensive outpatient therapy (therapy several times a week).
• Inpatient therapy (hospitalization).

Your primary care doctor will work with you to decide what level of treatment would be right for you.

Left untreated, people with eating disorders can develop life-threatening complications. Some people may need to receive medical and mental health care at a hospital or treatment center.