Defining Eating Disorders
Name one physical consequence of long-term restriction.
Bradycardia, bone loss, hormone disruption, fatigue, GI slowing, heart complications.
A client removes most carbs from their meals and reports brain fog and irritability. Explain the connection.
The brain relies on glucose. Low carb intake → impaired cognition and mood instability.
A client reports fatigue, dizziness, and feeling cold frequently. Name one likely micronutrient deficiency and why.
Iron or B vitamins
Reduced intake → impaired oxygen transport/energy metabolism.
Name one sign of dehydration.
Dizziness, dark urine, headache, fatigue
True or False: Fresh produce is more nutritious than frozen produce.
False
Frozen produce is picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, which helps lock in vitamins and minerals. Fresh produce can lose some nutrients over time.
True or False: Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder.
True
There are about 10,200 deaths from an eating disorder per year in the US alone. That's 1 death every 52 minutes.
A meal is very high in protein but very low in fat.
What recovery-related function might be missing?
Hormone support, satiety, and fat-soluble vitamin absorption.
Why is vitamin D especially important in restrictive ED recovery?
Supports bone health
The risk of bone loss is elevated with malnutrition.
A client drinks large amounts of water to suppress hunger. What are two potential risks?
Electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia) and masking hunger cues.
Your body continues to burn energy while sleeping. Name two processes that require energy overnight.
Breathing, heart function, tissue repair, brain activity
A client increases exercise when they feel they’ve “eaten too much.” What function is this behavior serving?
Compensation and/or regulation of guilt or anxiety. This reinforces the ED cycle.
Why might increasing fat intake actually help reduce constant hunger in recovery?
Consumption of fats improves satiety, slows digestion, and supports hormones.
Hair loss and brittle nails begin to appear. Explain what this indicates at a nutritional level.
Micronutrient deficiencies (Biotin/B7, B12, Folic acid) and inadequate protein/energy → body prioritizes vital organs.
Why is hydration important for digestion?
Supports motility and prevents constipation
Explain why consistent eating (every 3–4 hours) supports metabolic stability.
Stabilizes blood sugar, reduces stress response, supports energy levels
Explain why someone can experience severe medical complications from restriction without appearing underweight.
Malnutrition affects organ systems regardless of weight.
If the body isn't getting enough fuel, it starts making internal adjustments to survive, which can affect your heart, hormones, brain, and digestion.
A client fears fats but is experiencing loss of menstrual cycle. How might these be connected?
Low fat intake → inadequate energy + impaired hormone production (estrogen).
A client avoids dairy and fats. What two nutrient concerns might this raise?
Calcium + Vitamin D (and fat-soluble vitamin absorption)
A client feels dizzy when standing up quickly. How might hydration status contribute?
Dehydration → low blood volume → orthostatic hypotension
Why does the brain require a constant supply of glucose rather than storing large amounts?
Limited storage capacity
The brain relies on steady blood glucose and uses about 20% of your daily energy intake.
How do eating disorders affect liver enzyme (AST, ALT) lab values?
Eating disorders elevate liver enzyme lab values.
Binge eating - excess fat storage in liver cells.
Restrictive eating - breaking down muscle and fat for energy, overwhelming the liver with toxins.
Severe malnutrition affects the liver’s ability to process proteins and fats, produce essential enzymes, and detoxify harmful substances. This can result in liver dysfunction and increased risk of infections.
The body begins breaking down muscle tissue during prolonged restriction. What macronutrient-related issue is contributing to this?
Insufficient overall energy and protein → body uses muscle for fuel.
This electrolyte is critical for heart function and can become dangerous if too low.
Potassium
Explain why both dehydration and overhydration can be dangerous in ED populations.
Dehydration → organ stress
Overhydration → electrolyte dilution (especially sodium) + cardiac risk
Why might someone experience increased anxiety when they begin eating more consistently?
Psychological ("loss of control") and physiological (blood sugar + nervous system changes)