How Eating Disorders Affect More Than Just Our Mental Health
Written by: Christina Camilleri
With Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) happening from February 1st to 7th, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this year’s theme, Embracing Possibilities. It highlights the incredible power of community-driven solutions, innovative care models, and education to transform the way we approach eating disorder treatment. As someone with over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how important community is in creating meaningful change. At Healthy Essentials Clinic, we’re proud to play an integral role in the Okanagan and surrounding areas by providing quality, integrated care for individuals and families.
As we kick off the week, let’s take a moment to have an open and honest conversation about eating disorder treatment. That it goes beyond mental health—touching not just the mind, but the entire body and every aspect of one’s life.
The Physical Toll of an Eating Disorder Diagnosis
Eating disorder treatment is tough on the mind and the body. Imagine trying to fuel a car with the wrong kind of gas – things are bound to go haywire! Individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder can struggle with the following physical issues:
- Cardiovascular Issues: The heart, that incredible organ keeping everything moving, struggles when it’s not getting the nutrients it needs. This can lead to irregular beats or even a weaker heart muscle.
- Gastrointestinal Problems: A happy tummy is key to a happy life, but disordered eating can throw the whole digestive system into chaos, causing discomfort like acid reflux, bloating, constipation, loose stools, or even more serious issues.
- Bone Health: Our skeletons are like the foundation of a house. Without proper nutrients, they can weaken over time, leading to brittle bones.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Your body’s messaging system – aka hormones – can go off-track, affecting everything from mood and energy levels to reproductive health.
Taking care of your body starts with treating it kindly and giving it the fuel it needs to thrive!
The Ripple Effect on Relationships
Just like someone diagnosed with cancer, an individual diagnosed with an eating disorder doesn’t exist in isolation. Others are witness to their pain. The struggle often has a ripple effect that touches every part of a person’s life. Watching a loved one suffer can strain relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. Here’s how:
- Social Withdrawal: Individuals may avoid social events to hide their shame and eating habits, as they fear judgment from others.
- Conflict: Loved ones may struggle to understand or feel powerless to help, leading to frustration and misunderstandings.
- Caretaker Burnout: Families often bear the emotional and logistical burden of supporting someone with an eating disorder, which can strain family dynamics.
Open communication and professional guidance can help rebuild these connections during treatment and support/improve outcomes for all involved.
The Intersection of Mental and Physical Health
Did you know that what you eat can impact how you think, feel, and even sleep? The physiological impact of having an eating disorder can create a tricky back-and-forth between the mind and body that can make both feel out of sync. Here’s how they’re connected:
- Brain Function: Ever tried to think clearly on an empty stomach? Lack of proper nutrition can make it harder to focus, remember things, or even make simple decisions.
- Energy Levels: Running on empty all the time makes even small tasks feel like climbing a mountain. It’s exhausting!
- Sleep Disruptions: Without balanced nutrition, getting a good night’s sleep can feel like chasing a dream that’s always out of reach.
The good news? By addressing the physiological aspects of this illness, alongside emotional and cognitive health, we look at the whole person, separate from their illness. It is possible to break the cycle of destructive thoughts, dis-regulated emotions, and poor nutrition, by getting everything back in harmony.
A Path Toward Recovery
Recovery from an eating disorder is possible, but it requires a comprehensive approach. Here’s what effective treatment often (not always) includes:
- Medical Support: Regular check-ups and monitoring to address physical health concerns.
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments to address underlying psychological and emotional issues.
- Nutrition Counseling: Guidance from dietitians to establish healthy eating patterns, appropriate nutrient consumption and awareness of hunger/fullness cues.
- Family Support/Therapy: To help others understand this illness and utilize the tools necessary to help their loved one
- Support Networks: Encouragement from family, friends, community (school and workplace), and the right support groups can make a world of difference.
For more resources and support, visit our list here or watch my short video below!

Eating disorders are complex conditions that affect the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Understanding their far-reaching impact is the first step toward compassion and effective care. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Together, we can make recovery a reality.