What an Eating Disorder and Chronic Dieting Really Take From You

This morning I want to talk about how eating disorders and chronic dieting can wreak havoc in your life. What may start out as a harmless “diet” may slowly turn into a never-ending cycle of restriction, bingeing, purging, and an intense fear of food. And no one is really prepared for the short and long-term affects of starvation on their mental health, physical health, and social life.

In terms of physical health, here are some hidden signs and symptoms of restriction, purging and bingeing on organ function.

  • Heart: malnutrition, slowed metabolism, electrolyte imbalances, and excessive weight loss can lead to slowed heart rhythms and other abnormal heart rhythms (Williamson, 2024)

  • Digestive system: laxative misuse, slowed gastric emptying, gastric muscle atrophy, and vomiting can affect proper nutrient digestion and absorption (Center for Clinical Interventions, n.d.)

  • Bones/teeth: low bone mineral density/increased bone turnover, less weight on your bones, and less vitamin D and calcium intake are associated with increased risk of osteopenia and thereby osteoporosis; stress fractures are a common problem in athletes with eating disorders (Department of Health New York State, 2015)

  • Mouth: gums and other soft tissues in the mouth bleed easily, teeth can become discolored and break off, the esophagus can become inflamed (MouthHealthy, 2023)

  • Reproductive system: reduced stores, thyroid issues, and changes in hormones caused by eating disorders can affect the menstrual cycle and even the the uterus and ovaries (National Alliance for Eating Disorders, 2024) 

  • Sleep: sleep apnea, bingeing at night, disrupted circadian rhythms, frequent napping (Monte Nido, 2024)

  • Hair, skin, and nails: malnutrition can affect the ability of hair, skin, and nails to grow properly; often, people notice significant hair thinning, nail abnormalities, and delayed wound healing; lanugo can grow on the skin (Rittenhouse, n.d.)

  • Growth and development: lifelong bone density issues, late/missed puberty, altered brain development, and amenorrhea (Nitsch, 2025)

Mental health concerns are many, but here a few we see clients reporting regularly.

  • Depression or Anxiety

  • Intrusive thoughts about food are persistant

  • Difficulty concentrating / brain fog

  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

  • Substance use disorders

  • OCD

It is vital that you reach out to a mental health professional if you are struggling with any of the symptoms listed above. Your brain and body will continue to decline if you wait.  

Lastly, your social life can take a bit hit. Are any of these things happening to you?

  • Social interactions at work and school are starting to decrease.

  • Fear of eating out with others or eating food not prepared by you is leading to social isolation.

  • Friend & familial relationships are starting to decline.

  • Romantic relationships are hard to maintain.

The first step in recovery is recognize that you have a problem. Most clients I work with know their behaviors aren’t the same as others around them. Their brain minimizes or denies things are really “that bad,” but I’m telling you, the longer you wait, the worse it will get. Eating disorders and chronic dieting is relentless without help. There is power in finding people to help you work through why you are using eating behaviors to “fix” your life and define your worth. 

As registered dietitians, my team is here to support you on your journey to redefining your relationship with food and to educate you on how to nourish your body. Book an appointment with us today.


References: 

Center for Clinical Interventions. (n.d.). Gastrointestinal Problems in Eating Disorders. Center for Clinical Interventions. https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/CCI/Mental-Health-Professionals/Eating-Disorders/Eating-Disorders---Information-Sheets/Eating-Disorders-Information-Sheet---Gastrointestinal-Problems.pdf

Department of Health New York State. (2015). Eating Disorders and Your Bones: Get the Facts. Www.health.ny.gov. https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2049/index.htm

Monte Nido. (2024). The Connection Between Eating Disorders and Sleep Problems. Montenido.com. https://www.montenido.com/blog/eating-disorders-and-sleep-problems

MouthHealthy. (2023). Eating Disorders. Mouthhealthy.org; American Dental Association. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/eating-disorders

National Alliance for Eating Disorders. (2024, June 4). Can Eating Disorders Affect Fertility? National Alliance for Eating Disorders. https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/can-eating-disorders-affect-fertility/

Nitsch, A. (2025, November 5). Eating Disorders in Teens & Adolescents | ACUTE. ACUTE. https://www.acute.org/resources/eating-disorders-adolescents-teens

Rittenhouse, M. (n.d.). The Integumentary System and Eating Disorders. Eating Disorder Hope. https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/long-term-effects-health/integumentary-system

Williamson, L. (2024, February 26). How eating disorders can damage the heart. Www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/02/26/how-eating-disorders-can-damage-the-heart

Disordered Eating / Eating DisordersPeggy PrattRecovery, body image, anxiety, anorexia, attuned eating, radiant nutrition, radiant, body, bulimia, pcos, dieting, diet, dietitian, disordered eating, dietitian near me, diet culture, food, nutritionist knoxville tn, nutritionist, knoxville nutritionist, nutrition, nutritionist near me, knoxville nutrition, knoxville dietitian, knoxville dietitian near me, intuitive eating, binge eating disorder, inflammation, insulin resistance, eating disorder, over eating, polycystic ovarian syndrome, meal planning, lose weight, weight, weight loss, eat right, dietician knoxville tnComment