Long-Term Outcomes from a 10-Year Follow-Up of Women Living with a Restrictive Eating Disorder: A Brief Report

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate several socio-demographic and long-term clinical outcomes in a cohort of women living with a restrictive eating disorder. Methods: Patients were asked to fill in a general data collection form aiming to investigate their current conditions and to attend the outpatient unit for a 10-year follow-up clinical and laboratory evaluation. Results: Forty-four patients completed the follow-up general data collection form and 20 agreed to attend the outpatient unit for the 10 year-follow-up evaluation. In total, 52% of patients were single, 55% had achieved a university degree, and 55% had steady employment. After 10 years, there was a clear improvement in biochemical markers, but cholesterol levels were still slightly high. The prevalence of osteopenia in the whole sample was 70% when measured on the lumbar column and 20% on the total body, while osteoporosis was found in 10% of patients and only on the lumbar column. Conclusion: According to the collected data, women with a history of restrictive eating disorders appear to re-adapt well to social life by obtaining the level of their unaffected peers in terms of education and employment.