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.
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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
- https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/media-centre/eating-disorder-statistics/
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6535667/
- https://www.priorygroup.com/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-statistics
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27177304/
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa
- https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/anorexia/long-short-term-consequences
- https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/improving-care/better-mh-policy/college-reports/college-report-cr130.pdf?sfvrsnc4aad5e3_2
- https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteoporosis/causes/anorexia/
- https://www.kcl.ac.uk/archive/news/ioppn/records/2011/august2011/eatingdisorderslinkedtofertilityproblemsandunplannedpregnancies
- https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/anorexia-and-your-heart
- https://bulimia.com/anorexia/health-side-effects/mental-side-effects/
- https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/bulimia/overview/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/bulimia/effects-on-body
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bulimia-and-esophageal-cancer
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/bulimia-teeth-5203972
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2752386
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/60346
- https://www.healthline.com/health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder-statistics
- https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/binge-eating-disorder/
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder/features/binge-eating-depression
- https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/emotional-wellbeing/eating-disorders-and-diabetes
- https://www.keckmedicine.org/blog/5-very-real-dangers-of-binge-eating/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3817501/
- https://services.nhslothian.scot/seeds/recognising-an-eating-disorder/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26497047/
- https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/health-consequences/