What are the short and long-term effects of eating disorders?

30th October 2024 / Written by Harbor London

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, impact millions of people worldwide. In the UK alone – where over 6% of the population is struggling with an eating disorder1 – the prevalence continues to rise, with many individuals facing profound consequences on their physical and emotional wellbeing. 

These complex conditions not only affect body weight but also disrupt the intricate balance between mind and body2, creating the conditions for far-reaching and potentially destructive effects.

In the short term, eating disorders can result in: 

  • Dangerous weight loss
  • Malnutrition
  • Emotional instability 

However, the long-term effects are even more concerning, often manifesting in chronic health issues, cognitive impairment3, and severe mental health challenges. Despite their complexity, the consequences of eating disorders can be mitigated with early intervention, clinically guided treatment, and whole-person care that addresses the root causes. 

This blog post explores the full scope of the short and long-term effects, offering insight into how eating disorders reshape lives – and how recovery can lead to lasting wellness. 

Make a referral for someone struggling with an eating disorder today → 

Living with an eating disorder

Living with an eating disorder is a daily struggle that goes much deeper than food and weight; in fact, it affects virtually every aspect of a person’s life. Shockingly, in the UK, eating disorders have the highest mortality rates among all psychiatric disorders4, with approximately 75% of all cases faced by women4

This affects not only the individual, but also their loved ones, as families and friends also navigate the complex emotional, physical, and psychological challenges that come with these conditions.

“The family’s emotional involvement, as well as such changes in routine involving appointments with therapists and support groups, all cause disruption to normal patterns and to family relationships […] qualitative anecdotes describe the tremendous strains and changes in patterns within families particularly during the initial period of diagnosis.”

Eating disorders can leave individuals isolated, with low self-esteem, heightened anxiety, and a distorted relationship with their bodies6. The impact extends to social and professional spheres, with many experiencing strained relationships, career setbacks, and long-term health risks. 

For those living with eating disorders, daily life can become an exhausting cycle of restrictive behaviours, guilt, and shame.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder marked by an overwhelming fear of weight gain, leading to extreme food restriction and distorted body perception7. Individuals with anorexia often view themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously underweight. 

This obsession with controlling food intake becomes a way to cope with emotional stress, anxiety, or trauma. Clinically, anorexia affects multiple body systems8 and requires an integrated treatment approach.

People living with anorexia often go to great lengths to hide their behaviours, including skipping meals, avoiding social gatherings involving food, or claiming they have already eaten. Over time, the severe lack of nourishment affects both the body and mind – resulting in profound physical, psychological, and social consequences.

Common symptoms and warning signs include:

  • Intense fear of gaining weight, even if underweight
  • Restrictive eating patterns and calorie counting
  • Obsession with body weight, shape, or appearance
  • Severe weight loss, muscle wasting, and fatigue
  • Depression, irritability, and emotional numbness

Short-term effects of anorexia

Potential long-term effects of anorexia

  • Extreme weight loss and malnutrition
  • Low blood pressure and reduced heart rate, increasing the risk of heart failure
  • Dizziness, fainting, and chronic fatigue
  • Dry skin, hair thinning, and brittle nails due to nutrient deficiencies9
  • Abdominal pain and constipation from slowed digestion
  • Osteoporosis, as the body leaches calcium from bones due to malnutrition10
  • Muscle loss and weakness, impairing basic functioning
  • Fertility problems, including amenorrhea11 (loss of menstruation) in women, due to hormonal imbalances
  • Severe heart damage, including heart failure and bradycardia (slow heart rate)12
  • Permanent damage to internal organs, such as the liver and kidneys, due to prolonged starvation
  • Long-lasting psychological effects, including chronic anxiety, depression13, and a distorted relationship with food and body image

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is clinically defined by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives14. This cycle is driven by feelings of loss of control during binge episodes, followed by guilt, shame, and a need to “undo” the effects of overeating. 

Unlike anorexia, individuals with bulimia may maintain a normal or slightly above-average weight, making the disorder harder to detect. The psychological toll, combined with dangerous physical habits, leads to significant health risks.

Individuals with bulimia often experience frequent and overwhelming cravings, resulting in secretive binge eating sessions. This is typically followed by purging, which provides temporary relief but reinforces the destructive cycle. Clinically, bulimia poses immediate dangers to the gastrointestinal system, heart, and emotional health15.

Common symptoms and warning signs include:

  • Regular binge eating episodes, characterised by eating large amounts of food in a short period
  • Purging behaviours, including vomiting, use of diuretics or laxatives, or excessive exercise
  • Signs of vomiting, such as swollen cheeks, sore throat, and dental erosion
  • Anxiety or depression, often linked to body dissatisfaction
  • Preoccupation with body weight, even if it is within a normal range

Short-term effects of bulimia

Potential long-term effects of bulimia

  • Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, leading to muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat
  • Inflammation, rupture, or damage to the oesophagus due to repeated vomiting16
  • Severe dental erosion and gum disease from stomach acid17
  • Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and acid reflux
  • Frequent mood swings, anxiety, and feelings of shame or worthlessness
  • Severe gastrointestinal problems, including chronic acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and potential rupture of the oesophagus or stomach
  • Cardiac complications due to electrolyte imbalances, increasing the risk of heart arrhythmias or sudden cardiac arrest18
  • Long-lasting dental issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss
  • Hormonal disruptions, including irregular menstrual cycles or infertility in women19
  • Long-term psychological effects, such as chronic depression, anxiety, and a distorted sense of self-worth
  • Increased risk of substance abuse or self-harm as a coping mechanism

Binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in both the UK and the USA20, and is characterised by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food, often in a short period, accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, or distress21. Unlike bulimia, there are no compensatory behaviours like purging. BED is associated with emotional distress, a lack of control, and a sense of helplessness during binge episodes, often leading to weight gain and long-term health consequences.

Individuals with BED may use food as a way to cope with difficult emotions, stress, or trauma, but the temporary relief is followed by intense feelings of guilt and regret. Binge eating is often done in secret, and those affected may avoid social situations due to embarrassment about their eating habits or body image.

Common symptoms and warning signs include:

  • Eating large quantities of food, even when not physically hungry
  • Eating quickly during binge episodes and continuing until uncomfortably full
  • Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment
  • Feelings of guilt, disgust, or depression after overeating
  • Frequent dieting without weight loss or even weight gain

Short-term effects of binge eating

Potential long-term effects of binge eating

  • Weight gain and fluctuations
  • Digestive discomfort, including bloating, indigestion, and constipation
  • Feelings of shame, guilt, and loss of control
  • Increased risk of depression and anxiety, often linked to body image22
  • Sleep disturbances due to overeating at night
  • Obesity and related complications, including Type 2 diabetes23, high blood pressure, and heart disease24
  • Joint pain and reduced mobility due to weight gain
  • Increased risk of chronic emotional disorders, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem
  • Social isolation and difficulties maintaining relationships due to shame or embarrassment
  • Elevated risk of developing other eating disorders or engaging in self-destructive behaviours such as substance abuse
  • Potential for chronic digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux25

Generalised short and long-term effects of eating disorders

Eating disorders, regardless of specific type, exert profound and wide-ranging effects on both physical and mental health. These disorders disrupt essential bodily functions, strain mental health, and impact relationships, often creating a cycle of worsening health and increasing isolation. 

Clinically, the sooner an eating disorder is addressed, the more effectively these impacts can be mitigated. Here’s an overview of the generalised short and long-term effects on individuals:

Short-term effects:

  • Nutritional deficiencies: rapid weight loss or fluctuating eating habits lead to vitamin and mineral imbalances9, affecting energy levels and cognitive function.
  • Physical symptoms: common symptoms include dizziness, hair thinning, skin dryness, and digestive issues such as constipation or acid reflux.
  • Emotional instability: malnutrition and food-related stress increase irritability26, anxiety, and mood swings.
  • Social withdrawal: eating disorders can result in avoidance of social situations involving food, contributing to loneliness and further emotional distress.
  • Cognitive impacts: malnutrition affects concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities27, creating barriers in daily activities and work performance.

Long-term effects:

  • Organ damage: prolonged malnutrition places severe strain on organs, particularly the heart, liver, and kidneys28, sometimes leading to irreversible damage.
  • Bone health: chronic nutrient deficiencies, particularly in calcium and vitamin D, cause bone density loss, leading to osteoporosis and more frequent fractures10.
  • Hormonal disruption: eating disorders disrupt reproductive hormones, which can cause infertility and amenorrhea in women19, along with other hormonal imbalances.
  • Mental health risks: increased risk of depression, chronic anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviours due to prolonged stress and body dissatisfaction.
  • Chronic health conditions: high risk for cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders, depending on the specific disorder and behaviours involved.
  • Social and relationship strain: isolation and secrecy around eating behaviours affect relationships and personal growth29, often requiring structured support to heal these dynamics.

The general impacts of eating disorders are profound and can last a lifetime without appropriately curated intervention. By addressing these disorders with comprehensive, clinically guided care, individuals have a chance to rebuild physical health, emotional resilience, and a balanced approach to life and relationships.

The path to recovery from an eating disorder

Recovering from an eating disorder is a journey that requires an integrative, whole-person approach to truly heal the body, mind, spirit, and emotional health. Clinically guided, curated treatment addresses not only the physical aspects of the disorder but also the underlying psychological and emotional triggers, leading to long-lasting and sustainable recovery.

Whole-person care combines nutritional counselling, medical support, and therapeutic intervention such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) to create a personalised pathway for each individual. This approach also includes mindfulness practices and emotional support networks, which foster self-compassion, resilience, and personal growth.

Long-term recovery is attainable when individuals feel empowered to reconnect with themselves in a supportive, non-judgemental environment; that’s why we’ve carefully put together serene, utterly discrete settings in the heart of the city, designed to allow for deep healing and transformation. Here, patients receive world-leading care that cultivates strength, balance, and a renewed perspective on health and self-worth.

For those struggling with an eating disorder, or healthcare professionals looking to support a patient, a curated recovery pathway can provide the enduring foundation for a life of restored wellbeing – make a referral now to start the journey. 

References

  1. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/media-centre/eating-disorder-statistics/ 
  2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6535667/ 
  4. https://www.priorygroup.com/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-statistics 
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27177304/ 
  6. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders 
  7. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa 
  8. https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/anorexia/long-short-term-consequences 
  9. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/improving-care/better-mh-policy/college-reports/college-report-cr130.pdf?sfvrsnc4aad5e3_2
  10. https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteoporosis/causes/anorexia/ 
  11. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/archive/news/ioppn/records/2011/august2011/eatingdisorderslinkedtofertilityproblemsandunplannedpregnancies
  12. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/anorexia-and-your-heart 
  13. https://bulimia.com/anorexia/health-side-effects/mental-side-effects/ 
  14. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/bulimia/overview/
  15. https://www.healthline.com/health/bulimia/effects-on-body
  16. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bulimia-and-esophageal-cancer 
  17. https://www.verywellhealth.com/bulimia-teeth-5203972 
  18. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2752386
  19. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/60346
  20. https://www.healthline.com/health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder-statistics
  21. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/binge-eating-disorder/
  22. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder/features/binge-eating-depression
  23. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/emotional-wellbeing/eating-disorders-and-diabetes
  24. https://www.keckmedicine.org/blog/5-very-real-dangers-of-binge-eating/ 
  25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3817501/ 
  26. https://services.nhslothian.scot/seeds/recognising-an-eating-disorder/ 
  27. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26497047/
  28. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/health-consequences/
Open chat
Hello 👋
Can we help you?