Beyond the Scale: How Eating Disorders Harm Your Body

Introduction

When most people think about eating disorders, their minds go straight to weight. But the truth is, the number on the scale doesn’t even begin to show the damage these disorders can cause to the body. Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder aren’t just about appearance — they’re serious illnesses that affect nearly every system in the body, often in ways that are invisible from the outside.

In this article, we’ll go beyond the scale and uncover the physical toll eating disorders take — sometimes quietly, but always seriously.

How Eating Disorders Affect Your Body: System by System

Heart and Circulatory System

• Low calorie intake can weaken the heart muscle, leading to low blood pressure, slow heart rate (bradycardia), and even heart failure.

• Electrolyte imbalances from purging or laxative use can trigger irregular heart rhythms — some of which can be fatal.

Brain and Mental Function

• Starvation and dehydration affect brain chemistry, leading to:

  • Brain fog, difficulty concentrating

  • Mood swings, irritability

  • Increased risk of depression and anxiety

• Long-term nutrient deficiencies may shrink brain matter, especially in young people.

Bones and Growth (Especially in Teens)

• Without enough calcium, vitamin D, and estrogen / testosterone, bones weaken.

• This can lead to osteopenia or osteoporosis — even in teenagers.

• In growing bodies, eating disorders can stunt height and delay puberty.

Hormonal and Reproductive System

• Girls may stop menstruating (amenorrhea), a sign the body has gone into energy-saving mode.

• Hormonal disruptions can lead to infertility, thyroid issues, and early menopause.

• In males, testosterone levels may drop, leading to low energy and muscle loss.

Immune System

• With too few nutrients, the immune system weakens, making the body more vulnerable to infections and viruses.

Digestive System

• Repeated purging damages the esophagus, causes acid reflux, and can rupture the stomach.

• Starvation slows digestion, leading to constipation, bloating, and stomach pain.

• The gut’s balance of good bacteria can also be disturbed, affecting overall health.

Skin, Hair, and Nails

• Lack of nutrients results in:

  • Hair thinning or hair loss

  • Dry, flaky skin

  • Brittle nails

  • The development of fine body hair (lanugo) as the body tries to stay warm

Muscle and Organ Tissue

• The body starts breaking down muscle for energy, including the heart muscle.

• Organ failure can occur in severe or prolonged cases, sometimes without visible warning signs.

“The heart is one of the first organs impacted by disordered eating. What may feel like a harmless diet can quickly turn dangerous.”

— Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, MD, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist

The Long-Term Damage You Can’t Always See

Even after someone recovers from an eating disorder, some of the physical damage can stick around:

• Permanent bone loss increases fracture risk later in life.

• Infertility may persist.

• Cardiac damage might not fully reverse.

• Teens may not reach their full height or developmental potential.

That’s why early intervention is so important. The longer disordered eating continues, the greater the risk of lasting consequences.

Common Myths That Put People at Risk

Many people assume:

“You can tell someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.”

That’s false. Many people with eating disorders are not underweight. Bulimia, binge-eating disorder, and atypical anorexia often affect people in all body types.

“If someone’s still getting their period, they must be healthy.”

Also false. Some people continue menstruating despite being dangerously malnourished — it’s not a reliable health marker.

When to Seek Help (and Where to Go)

If you or someone you know is:

• Constantly thinking about food, calories, or weight

• Avoiding meals or eating in secret

• Exercising excessively

• Purging, using laxatives, or binge eating

Then it’s time to seek support. Recovery is possible, but the sooner it starts, the better the chance to prevent lasting damage.

Helpful Resources (UK):

• BEAT Eating Disorders

• NHS Eating Disorder Services

• GP or school nurse referral

Final Thought

Eating disorders are about so much more than weight — they are whole-body illnesses with the potential to cause serious, even permanent, damage. But with the right support, recovery is absolutely possible. If you’re struggling, remember: your health, your future, and your body are worth protecting — every part of it, not just the number on the scale.

FAQ’s

• Can eating disorders cause permanent damage?

  Yes. Long-term effects like bone loss, heart damage, fertility issues, and organ problems can remain even after recovery, especially if the disorder went untreated for a long time.

• What are early physical warning signs of an eating disorder?

  Common signs include fatigue, dizziness, hair thinning, always feeling cold, irregular periods, constipation, or frequent sore throats from purging.

• Can someone have an eating disorder and still be a "normal" weight?

  Absolutely. Many people with eating disorders fall within a “normal” BMI. Disorders like bulimia and binge eating disorder often don't result in noticeable weight loss.

• How do eating disorders affect teens differently?

  Teens may experience delayed puberty, stunted growth, and underdeveloped bones. Eating disorders can also affect school performance, social development, and brain development during this critical time.

• Can the body heal from an eating disorder?

  Yes — the body is incredibly resilient, especially in young people. With early treatment, many physical effects can be reversed, though some (like bone density loss) may require lifelong management.