The True Cost of an Eating Disorder: Beyond the Dollars
When we speak of “cost”of an eating disorder, most people immediately think of medical bills or therapy sessions. But the price of an eating disorder runs far deeper, cutting across mental and physical health, relationships, education, employment, and societal productivity. Understanding the full cost helps us see why early intervention, funding, and systemic support are so critical.
According to the 2023 update of Paying the Price, eating disorders cost the Australian community an estimated $66.9 billion per year (Deloitte). That includes hospital care, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life. On average, each person with an eating disorder faces a per-person annual cost of more than $60,000!
Direct & Hidden Costs
Treatment costs: Care often requires a team of professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, GPs), plus hospital or day program admissions. Many families face high out-of-pocket costs when public services are limited (NEDC).
Productivity losses: Work and study are often disrupted, leading to reduced income and lost opportunities.
Personal and family burden: Beyond financial stress, families often carry emotional and practical caring responsibilities.
What drives treatment costs?
Costs vary widely depending on:
Treatment type: outpatient therapy, day programs, and inpatient hospital stays.
Frequency & duration: longer or repeated hospitalisations, intensive therapies, or combination of services increase cost.
Setting: public vs private, urban vs rural, access constraints.
Multidisciplinary care: effective treatment involves psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, medical specialists, and allied health.
Medication, lab tests, or hospital monitoring (if required)
Relapse & ongoing maintenance: many people require long-term follow-up, booster therapy sessions, or crisis intervention.
However, specialised ED services are very limited in public systems, and many people have to turn to private care and end up incuring unbudgeted out-of-pocket costs.
Barriers created by cost
Delayed help-seeking because of fear of the financial burden
Partial or incomplete treatment adherence if finances constrain access
Relying on lower-quality or less specialised care alternatives
Increased relapse risk due to disrupted continuity of care
Why Early Intervention Matters
Community-based and early support is not only more effective but also less expensive. For example, one Queensland study found that community support cost just $9.94 per day, compared to $1,227 per day for hospital admission (Eating Disorders Queensland).
Investing early saves lives, reduces relapse rates, and lowers overall costs.
Finding Help
If you or someone you love is struggling, free and confidential support is available:
Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) – Helpline, Telehealth Nurse, counselling, and peer mentoring.
National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) – Evidence-based resources on treatment, recovery, and support pathways.
Butterfly Foundation – National Helpline 1800 33 4673 (24/7 support).
Final Thoughts
Eating disorders are serious, complex mental health conditions with staggering personal and social costs. By funding early intervention and accessible treatment, we not only reduce financial burden but also give people the chance to fully recover.
If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out today. Support is available, and recovery is possible. If finances (or stress of) are getting in the way of you starting treatment, we are here to help. Reach out to have a chat, we are all about making treatment accessible, and tailored to you.
You can email us on admin@recoveredclinic.com.au
