Around one third of patients [with anorexia] recovery fully; another third improve significantly and the last third do not recover.
–Eating Disorders Factfile

I had a therapist explain this statistic to me once…
Group 1: Full recovery – The individual either recovers on her own or with treatment. The duration of the illness doesn’t really matter… what’s important is that the she goes on to live a relatively symptom-free life.
Group 2: Significant improvement – This could mean two things: Either the individual improves to a point where she can have a life …

Top 10 Eating Disorder Controversies:
(In my opinion, and not in order of importance)

Full recovery is possible (to the point of being “cured”)
EDs are symptoms of a deep-seeded childhood trauma or toxic environment
Treatment should not be forced upon those who don’t feel ready to recover
Weight gain goals should be 100% of ideal body weight
Meal plans and/or monitored exchange/calorie counting is necessary
Without working through the underlying psychological causes of the eating disorder, one cannot completely recover
Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder are all on one disordered eating continuum
Society is largely to blame …