How long does it take to recover from anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa is a very serious eating disorder, and occurs when an individual has an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted image of their own body, and severely restricts their food intake.

It’s important for people in recovery from this disorder and their loved ones to be aware of the timeline of recovery. It is often a complex and non-linear process, which makes it difficult for people to gauge their progress and for families to provide support. Recognising that recovery takes time helps to set realistic expectations. Understanding recovery more in-depth also allows for a better allocation of resources.

In this article, we’ll be going over recovery timelines for anorexia nervosa and the various factors that influence those timelines, as well as the role of professional support in bringing about successful recovery.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is no ordinary disease. It is markedly psychological at its core and is set apart by a range of rather unique symptoms.

Physically, individuals may experience significant weight loss, often dropping below the expected weight for their age and height. Common symptoms are:

• Extreme thinness
• Brittle hair and nails
• Dry skin
• The development of lanugo (fine, soft hair on the body)
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Low heart rate
• Low blood pressure

Psychologically, those with anorexia often struggle with an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to distorted body image perceptions. They may engage in restrictive eating patterns, excessive exercise, and use of laxatives or diuretics to control their weight. Emotional symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, social withdrawal, and depression.

The consequences of untreated anorexia can be severe. In the short term, individuals may face health complications such as:

Electrolyte imbalances can lead to heart arrhythmias and severe dehydration, potentially resulting in hospitalisation.

Long-term consequences can be even more alarming, including:

• Osteoporosis
• Infertility
• Significant cardiovascular issues

Chronic malnutrition can cause irreversible damage to organs, and individuals may also experience cognitive impairments due to prolonged nutrient deficiencies. In extreme cases, untreated anorexia can result in death, making early intervention and treatment critical for recovery.

Clearing up confusion

Anorexia nervosa is often confused with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).

It’s important to clear up this distinction before continuing.

Both eating disorders differ in motivations and symptoms.

• Anorexia Nervosa involves intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading individuals to severely restrict food to lose weight. It’s typically driven by body image concerns.
• ARFID, on the other hand, is characterised by avoidance of food based on sensory sensitivities, fear of adverse consequences (like choking), or lack of interest in eating. Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not linked to body image issues and often results in nutritional deficiencies rather than weight-focused restriction.

Both can lead to malnutrition but have different underlying causes and treatment approaches.

Overview of the recovery process

The recovery process from anorexia nervosa typically unfolds in several stages, each critical to achieving long-lasting wellness.

The first stage is stabilisation, where the main focus is on restoring physical health. This includes addressing any life-threatening medical conditions and ensuring the individual is medically stable. Healthcare professionals might monitor vital signs and laboratory values, especially electrolyte levels, to prevent complications.

The second stage involves weight restoration, where the emphasis shifts to achieving a healthy weight for the individual’s age and height. This part of the process often requires a structured meal plan and regular nutritional support, including consultations with dietitians who specialise in eating disorders. Gaining weight is often a challenging process for individuals, as it can worsen anxiety and fears about body image.

Finally, psychological healing is the next crucial aspect of recovery. This stage focuses on addressing underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and distorted body image. Dialectical-behavioural therapy (DBT) is a common therapeutic approach used by UKAT to help individuals challenge harmful thoughts and behaviours related to food and body image.

Phases of treatment

Treatment for anorexia can be conducted in various settings depending on the severity of the disorder.

Inpatient care is often necessary for those who are medically unstable or at high risk of complications. This level of care provides 24-hour medical supervision and a structured environment to ensure safety and compliance with treatment.

Outpatient care is suitable for medically stable individuals who still require ongoing support. This may involve regular therapy sessions, nutritional counselling, and support groups, allowing individuals to live at home while receiving treatment.

Follow-up care is essential after the initial treatment phases, focusing on maintaining progress and preventing relapse.

Timelines for recovery

The timeline for recovering from anorexia nervosa varies significantly from person to person, influenced by multiple things such as the severity of the disorder, the individual’s overall health, and the effectiveness of the treatment approach.

Generally, the recovery process can span anywhere from several months to several years. For some people, initial stabilisation and weight restoration can happen within a few months, particularly if the treatment is initiated early and the individual has a supportive environment. However, complete psychological healing and the development of a healthy relationship with food may take longer, often extending the overall recovery period to a year or more.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, approximately 50% of individuals with anorexia achieve full recovery within four years. However, about 30% continue to experience some level of symptoms, and around 20% may struggle with chronic anorexia, requiring long-term treatment and support.

Factors influencing recovery

Several individual characteristics impact the recovery process from anorexia nervosa.

Age plays a crucial role; younger individuals, especially adolescents, may respond more positively to treatment due to their developmental stage and greater neuroplasticity. Early intervention is important for younger patients, often leading to better outcomes.

Gender is an influential factor, as studies indicate that females are more likely to develop anorexia compared to males. However, males may face unique challenges in recovery, such as societal stigma and reduced access to resources tailored to their needs.

The duration of illness also affects recovery; individuals who have struggled with anorexia for longer periods tend to have more entrenched patterns of disordered eating and may require more intensive treatment.

Finally, the severity of symptoms at the time of treatment initiation can influence the timeline for recovery. Those presenting with severe malnutrition or comorbid conditions often require longer treatment durations and more comprehensive care.

Environmental factors

The surrounding environment significantly influences recovery. Family support is one of the key factors, as a nurturing and understanding home environment can facilitate healing. Families that participate in treatment, such as family-based therapy, often help improve adolescent recovery outcomes.

Socioeconomic status also plays a role, as individuals from poorer backgrounds may face barriers to accessing care, such as limited resources. These limitations can prolong recovery or deter individuals from seeking help altogether.

Psychological factors

Mental health is linked to recovery from anorexia nervosa. The presence of comorbid mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, can complicate the recovery process and prolong treatment.

Moreover, psychological resilience, coping strategies, and the ability to seek and accept help significantly influence the recovery timeline. Individuals who have developed healthy coping mechanisms and a strong support network are more likely to navigate the challenges of recovery successfully.

Myths about recovery from anorexia nervosa

Recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN) is complex, and many myths can create misunderstandings that affect those struggling with it. Here are some common misconceptions about recovering from anorexia:

1. Recovery only involves gaining weight

While weight restoration is often a necessary component, recovery goes beyond just physical changes. It involves addressing underlying mental, emotional, and psychological issues, like perfectionism, anxiety, or low self-worth. Emotional resilience, reestablishing a positive relationship with food, and addressing distorted body image are also crucial parts of recovery.

2. Full recovery is impossible

Although anorexia is a challenging illness, full recovery is possible. Many individuals do reach a place of health, where they no longer meet diagnostic criteria for AN and have a restored, balanced relationship with food and their bodies. Recovery can be a gradual process, with periods of progress and setbacks, but it is achievable with support.

3. Once you are weight-restored, you’re fully recovered

Weight restoration is often an important milestone but doesn’t signal the end of the recovery journey. Psychological recovery can take longer and involves changing deep-seated beliefs, behaviours, and coping mechanisms. Full recovery also involves developing skills to maintain mental health, handle life stressors, and engage in relationships healthily.

4. People with anorexia just need more willpower to eat

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health disorder with genetic, biological, and psychological factors. Recovery requires specialised treatment and support. Approaching recovery with compassion rather than judgement is essential.

5. Anorexia only affects women

While eating disorders may be more commonly diagnosed in women, they affect people of all genders. Men, nonbinary individuals, and people of diverse backgrounds also struggle with anorexia and often face stigma that can delay or prevent them from seeking treatment.

6. You can tell if someone has recovered just by looking at them

Anorexia does not have a “look,” and a person who appears physically healthy may still be struggling with disordered thoughts or behaviours. True recovery is more about a person’s mindset, mental health, and overall well-being than their physical appearance alone.

7. Relapse means that recovery has failed

Relapse can be a normal part of the recovery process, but it does not mean that recovery isn’t possible. Each person’s journey is unique. With support, many people successfully move forward after relapse.

8. Anorexia is a choice, so recovery is as simple as deciding to get better

Anorexia involves complex biological and psychological factors, making it extremely difficult to “choose” recovery. Treatment often requires a structured approach that includes therapy, medical support, and sometimes medication.

9. Therapy alone can ‘fix’ anorexia

Therapy is essential but usually part of a larger treatment plan. Many people with anorexia also need medical care, nutritional support, and community or family involvement. Each person’s treatment needs are unique and may involve various types of therapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy or family-based treatment) alongside medical and nutritional interventions.

10. Once you’ve recovered, you never struggle with food issues again

Many people experience lingering challenges even after recovery, particularly when dealing with stress or major life changes. However, recovery provides tools and support networks to manage these issues in healthier ways, and many individuals live fulfilling, balanced lives post-recovery.

Professional support

UK Addiction Treatment (UKAT) offers a range of professional support for individuals recovering from anorexia nervosa, primarily through their specialised eating disorder programs. UKAT operates several centres designed for eating disorder treatment.

The primary therapy UKAT utilises is dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). This evidence-based therapy focuses on changing harmful thought patterns around food and body image and developing healthy coping mechanisms.

To ensure lasting recovery, UKAT offers strong aftercare programs, including support groups and continuous outpatient care, to help individuals reintegrate into daily life while maintaining progress in their recovery journey.

If you are suffering, don’t hesitate to take your first step today.