Eating disorders and quality of life: a review of the literature

Abstract

Following recent scientific interest in the quality of life (QoL) of individuals with eating disorders (EDs), this paper aims to provide a summary of the relevant evidence. A literature review on QoL in EDs (EDQoL) was carried out and relevant articles are described in six main sections. Following an introduction to the area and a summary of the methods used in the review, assessment of QoL in EDs is discussed. The third section represents the body of the review and appraises EDQoL in more detail, discussing what idiosyncratic features of EDs might be important in affecting QoL. The review concludes with suggestions for further research in this evolving area and summarizes the main findings. An evidence base is constructed supporting the idea that those with EDs have impaired QoL compared to other psychiatric and physical health conditions. However, what determines impairments in QoL is yet to be delineated although ideas for such variables, such as the presence of bingeing and purging, are suggested. Development of ED-specific measures has aided greatly in the pursuit of clarity, although equivocal conclusions in this complex area necessitate further research.