Anorexia nervosa can be chronic and devastating, even fatal. However, a recent study found that grim reputation is not always the reality of the disease.

Researchers at Columbia University and the University of Helsinki found that while often severe, anorexia is common and can be highly transient.

Up to 70 percent of women with the condition recover before age 30, they said.

A study of twin Finnish women found that 2.2 percent suffered from severe anorexia. Including milder forms, 5 percent suffered it during their lifetimes, usually starting between ages 10 and 25.

On average, the duration of anorexia was three years; about 25 percent recovered within a year, about 33 percent within two years and about 67 percent within five years from the onset of their symptoms.

While recovery could be slow, within five years of weight restoration, women with anorexia nervosa were virtually indistinguishable from their healthy twins in terms of psychological symptoms and self-esteem.

However, learning to deal with body shape and weight-related concerns took usually five to 10 years, the authors said. Those who had recovered were just as likely to date, have sexual relationships, marry and have children as healthy women.

Women recovering from anorexia were also as likely to continue their studies and to find steady employment.