Beyond the Scale: How Eating Disorders Harm Your Body
Let’s be honest — when people talk about eating disorders, the focus is usually on weight. But here’s the truth: eating disorders affect way more than the number on a scale.
Whether it’s restricting, bingeing, or purging, these behaviours can seriously mess with your body in ways that aren’t always obvious at first. You might feel "fine" now, but the damage can sneak up slowly and affect everything from your energy to your heart.
If you’re struggling or just trying to understand it better — this post breaks it down clearly, with zero judgment and all the facts.
Your Brain
What happens:
Lack of proper nutrition can lead to difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and mood swings. You might feel foggy, anxious, depressed, or just… off.
Why it matters:
Your brain needs fuel to help you learn, stay focused in school, and manage your emotions. Without it, everything feels harder.
Your Heart
What happens:
Severe restriction or purging can cause an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and even heart failure in extreme cases.
Why it matters:
Even young people — yes, even teens — can experience serious heart issues when their body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs.
“The heart is one of the first organs impacted by disordered eating. What may feel like a harmless diet can quickly turn dangerous.”
Your Bones
What happens:
Low body weight or poor nutrition can weaken your bones. In teens, this can lead to osteopenia or osteoporosis (bone loss), even before you’ve fully grown.
Why it matters:
Your teen years are when your bones build strength for life. If they’re not supported now, it could lead to breaks or bone problems down the road.
Your Muscles And Organs
What happens:
When the body isn’t getting enough food, it starts breaking down muscle — including your heart and other organs — to survive.
Why it matters:
It’s not just about “losing fat.” Your body will start eating itself from the inside out if it’s not properly nourished.
Your Skin, Hair And Nails
What happens:
Lack of key vitamins and nutrients can cause dry skin, hair thinning or loss, brittle nails, and a pale or dull complexion.
Why it matters:
Your outer appearance reflects what’s going on inside — and if your body is struggling, it will show.
Your Digestive System
What happens:
Purging, binge eating, or irregular eating habits can cause bloating, stomach pain, acid reflux, and even long-term digestive issues.
Why it matters:
Your digestive system can take a big hit — and once it’s off-balance, it takes time and care to heal.
Your Reproductive Health
What happens:
In girls, eating disorders can cause irregular periods or make them stop completely (amenorrhea). In all genders, it can mess with hormone levels.
Why it matters:
Hormones help regulate everything from mood to growth to fertility. Disordered eating can throw that all off — and the effects can last for years.
Final Thought
Eating disorders are more than just “not eating enough” or “eating too much.” They’re serious health conditions that can affect almost every part of your body — and they don’t go away by ignoring them.
The good news? Your body is incredibly strong and capable of healing — but it needs help. That help starts with honesty, support, and real care.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, talk to someone you trust. A school counselor, doctor, or mental health professional can help you start the journey back to health — inside and out.
You deserve to feel strong, nourished, and at peace in your body.
At Shout, we have around 80 conversations every day about eating disorders or body image. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it's important to know that there is support available and you can get better.
