The Impact of Disordered Eating on Mental and Physical Health: What You Need to Know from an NYC Therapist

Disordered eating is characterized by behaviors that do not reach the threshold for an eating disorder, but can still have a negative impact on your quality of life. Disordered eating behaviors can include food restriction, emotional eating, and chronic dieting. These behaviors may seem benign, but they can actually have a negative impact on your physical and emotional health. In this article, we will break down some of these negative outcomes and ways to address disordered eating behaviors.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of disordered eating and can manifest mentally or physically. When the body is deprived of essential nutrients—whether through restrictive eating or purging—it lacks the energy it needs to function. This leads to chronic tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and a lack of motivation to engage in daily activities. Beyond bodily impact, disordered eating often creates significant emotional and mental fatigue. The constant preoccupation with food, body image, and self-control can become mentally exhausting. Many individuals with disordered eating engage in obsessive thinking, which can become a heavy mental load as well. This exhaustion can create a vicious cycle, where fatigue leads to worsening poor eating habits and decreased self-care. Seeking therapy and restoring balanced eating habits are key to breaking this cycle and improving energy levels over time.

Social Isolation

Social isolation is a frequent and troubling consequence of disordered eating. Individuals struggling with their relationship with food often withdraw from social settings that involve eating, which are prevalent in many cultures. Whether it’s avoiding restaurants, family gatherings, or social events, the fear of judgment or exposure can lead to self-imposed isolation.

This withdrawal can compound feelings of loneliness and alienation. Social support systems are necessary for emotional well-being, and distancing from friends, family, or colleagues may worsen mental health struggles like anxiety and depression. The isolation can also become a barrier to seeking help, as individuals with strained relationships may be less likely to admit that they are struggling. If you notice yourself isolating, open up to a loved one or therapist about your behaviors. Reliable members of your social circle can help you notice and change your behaviors, allowing you to live a more enjoyable life.

Emotional Dysregulation

Emotional dysregulation is both a cause and consequence of disordered eating. People who struggle with disordered eating often have difficulty managing intense emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, or anger, and may turn to food as a coping mechanism. For example, emotional eating—where individuals eat in response to feelings rather than hunger—is a common pattern, as food can temporarily soothe distressing emotions. Conversely, those who restrict food may do so to regain a sense of control when emotions feel overwhelming. Over time, disordered eating can exacerbate emotional instability. Extreme fluctuations in blood sugar due to binging or restrictive eating can affect mood, increasing irritability, anxiety, or depression. Therapy—especially approaches like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which focuses on emotional regulation—can help individuals build the skills to manage their feelings without turning to harmful eating behaviors.

Conclusion

Disordered eating may not always meet the criteria for an eating disorder, but its impact on mental and physical health is significant. Disordered eating can lead to fatigue, social isolation, and emotional dysregulation, all of which diminish quality of life. Addressing these issues early on can prevent further harm and help individuals reclaim their health and well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing these challenges, reaching out to a therapist or support system is the first step toward healing and a healthier, more balanced life.

References

Cuncic, A. (2023, May 3). How to deal with dysregulation. VeryWell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-dysregulation-5073868

Eating disorders. (2024, September 23). Cleveland Clinic.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4152-eating-disorders.

Social isolation and eating disorders. (n.d) Nutrition Braved. https://nutritionbraved.org/social-isolation-and-eating-disorders/