Conditions & Treatments

Eating Disorder - Other Information

Impacts of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have serious physical, psychological and social consequences on the individual. The following are just some of the impacts that eating disorders tend to have on individuals with eating disorders:

Physical Impacts

Permanent loss of bone mass
Delayed or permanently stunted growth
Weakened immune system
Fainting spells
Disruption of menstrual cycle or infertility
Damage to kidneys or liver
Inability to concentrate or think clearly
Irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest
Death

Psychological Impacts

Mood disorders (depression, anxiety)
Obsessive thoughts and preoccupations
Compulsive behaviors
Fear of being out-of-control
Feelings of isolation and alienation

Social Impacts

Tensions within family, especially due to arguments about meals and eating behaviors
Damaged or destroyed friendships or romantic relationships
Reduced ability to perform or cope well in school or work

Frequently Asked Questions about Eating Disorders

1. Is having an eating disorder just a phase?

Dieting and paying additional attention to body image can be a phase for many individuals, but it can become a serious problem if it gets out of control. Identifying signs of an eating disorder early on and resolving them quickly is crucial for recovery. Warning signs of an eating disorder include frequent weighing, denial of hunger, avoidance of eating in public or situations where there is food, frequent trips to the bathroom (especially right after meals), mood shifts, fear of becoming fat, an excessive or rigid exercise regime, and binge or secretive eating.

2. When should I or my loved one with an eating disorder seek treatment?

If you see yourself or your loved one displaying warning signs of an eating disorder or already living with an eating disorder for a while, seek treatment as soon as possible to improve the chances of successful recovery and resolve any medical or psychological complications brought about by the eating disorder. Regularly attending appointments with the multi-disciplinary team and adhering to the treatment plans is crucial to the recovery process.

3. How would I know if I or my loved one is recovering from an eating disorder?

There are 3 key factors to look out for in the recovery of a patient with an eating disorder. One is physical recovery, where the patient’s body weight and nutritional status are restored to a healthy level and where any medical complications that resulted have been resolved. Another is behavioral recovery, where there are improvements in the patient’s behaviors related to food, eating, exercising, and engaging in social situations where meals are involved. The third is psychological recovery, where thoughts related to the eating disorder (such as fear of certain foods or bloating, body image issues, or significant obsession with healthy eating) are resolved or reduced.

4. What other resources can I read to find out more about managing eating disorders?

The following resources are highly recommended for anyone wishing to understand eating disorders better:

Eating Disorder Hope (https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com)
Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder (2nd Edition) (2015) by James Lock and Daniel Le Grange (Publisher: The Guildford Press)
Beating Your Eating Disorder: A Cognitive-Behavioral Self-Help Guide for Adult Sufferers and Their Carers (1st Edition) (2010) by Glenn Waller et al., (Publisher: Cambridge University Press)
The Intuitive Eating Workbook: Ten Principles for Nourishing a Healthy Relationship with Food (Illustrated Edition) (2017) by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch (Publisher: New Harbinger)

For further reading, please download a copy of our leaflet: Eating Disorder.pdf