Elevated mortality rates have been reported in individuals with eating disorders (EDs). However, no meta-analysis in the past decade has provided an updated, comprehensive synthesis of mortality across all ED diagnoses while exploring potential moderating factors. We conducted a systematic search in four databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science) from 2010 to 29 Oct 2024. Studies that reported standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in individuals with a diagnosed ED (including formal diagnoses and self-reports) were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool estimates across studies. Meta-regression was conducted to examine predictors of heterogeneity. Meta-analysis of SMRs of effect sizes revealed elevated mortality risk for individuals with an ED (regardless of ED subtype)
weighted SMR = 3.39 (95 % CIs: 2.90, 3.95), p <
.001, I