Background
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses where people use food consumption to cope with negative beliefs and behaviours regarding themselves, eating, body shape and weight.1,2,3
Emotions can include focussing excessively on what or how much to eat, having urges to get rid of food from the body, feeling unable to stop eating, or feeling guilty for enjoying food. People can also use food to control their emotions.4
This can manifest in different ways:2,3,5
- restricting the amount that is eaten;
- binge eating large portions until uncomfortably full;
- compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, purging, or excessive exercise;
- avoiding or only eating certain foods.
Consequences include increased risk of death due to malnutrition, suicide, or physical changes such as electrolyte and/or water imbalance.3,6
Other long-term effects include increased risk of osteoporosis and anxiety disorders. Being underweight is associated with increased bone fractures, and a low body mass index (BMI) is strongly associated with sarcopenia development (loss of muscle mass and strength). BMI below 13.5 is associated with increased risk of liver failure.3,6,7
Children and young people with an eating disorder may present with a low weight or height for their age or with delayed puberty.3