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Medications such as Ozempic have intensified the obsession with intentional weight loss over the past year, amplifying societal pressures to shed pounds. However, striving for weight loss isn't always beneficial or without risks.
Attempting to lose weight can actually lead to eating disorders. Research cited by the National Eating Disorders Association reveals that moderate dieting makes females five times more likely to develop an eating disorder compared to non-dieters. Severe dietary restrictions increase this risk by 18 times. Approximately 9% of Americans experience an eating disorder at some stage, and 22% of children and adolescents exhibit disordered eating patterns.
The connection between weight loss and the onset of eating disorders
Weight loss is recognized as a contributing factor to the development or recurrence of eating disorders. Given the widespread practice of weight loss attempts, recognizing the symptoms of an eating disorder is crucial, as emphasized by Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, regional medical director for Eating Recovery Center. The likelihood of dieting leading to an eating disorder is notably high.
“Approximately 20-25% of individuals who try to lose weight—or diet—will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives, with 35% of dieters adopting strict, obsessive habits around food or exercise, even without an official diagnosis,” Wassenaar stated.
In a society that stigmatizes larger bodies, it can be challenging to differentiate between eating disorder behaviors and what is perceived as ‘healthy’ weight loss concerns.
“Restrictive anorexia nervosa is marked by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted perception of body image, and a refusal to maintain a natural body weight. Individuals often achieve weight loss through severe dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise,” Wassenaar explained. “Those in larger bodies can also suffer from restrictive anorexia, and a person with anorexia might seem ‘healthy’ despite being malnourished.”
A history of weight loss has been identified as a risk factor for eating disorders. In 2020, a study involving 1,165 young women with body image concerns highlighted the link between weight suppression and the emergence of anorexia, bulimia, and purging disorder. The researchers noted: “The findings offer new evidence that weight suppression is associated with the future onset of eating disorders involving dietary restriction or compensatory behaviors, indicating that weight-suppressed women represent a key risk group for targeted prevention efforts.”
Warning signs of an eating disorder
Wassenaar highlights several indicators that your weight loss efforts might actually be masking an eating disorder:
Eliminating entire food categories or labeling foods as either "good" or "bad."
Experiencing fear or discomfort about eating in social settings or outside the home.
Feeling intense anxiety or guilt when deviating from strict eating routines.
Additional symptoms of an eating disorder may include:
Being underweight or experiencing rapid weight loss.
Constantly feeling cold.
Thinning hair or noticeable hair loss.
Irregular menstrual cycles.
An intense fear of gaining weight.
Severe calorie restriction, unusual eating patterns, or obsessive food rituals.
Compulsive or excessive exercising.
Withdrawing from social interactions.
Ozempic could be exacerbating the issue
Prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy rose by 300% from early 2020 to late 2022. Although these medications have been used to manage type 2 diabetes for over a decade, their recent popularity stems from the weight loss side effects reported by some users. (In 2022, only about half of those prescribed GLP-1 drugs had type 2 diabetes.)
“We are already witnessing the effects of GLP-1 agonists being used for cosmetic weight loss on the eating disorder community, with many patients relapsing into disordered eating after using these medications,” Wassenaar noted.
The aggressive promotion of weight loss drugs, combined with the constant advertising of diets and weight loss solutions, creates a high-risk environment for individuals susceptible to eating disorders.
“Eating disorders are intricate conditions that flourish in isolation. The notion that altering your body is necessary for health or happiness is a dangerous and pervasive idea that continues to generate billions for pharmaceutical and diet-focused companies globally,” Wassenaar explained.
Steps to take if you suspect an eating disorder
If you notice any of the warning signs or symptoms listed above, consult a doctor or mental health professional to determine if your eating habits are becoming harmful.
“Shift your focus from weight loss or dieting to consuming nourishing foods and engaging in physical activities that bring you joy,” Wassenaar advised. “If you’re worried about the possibility of an eating disorder, consult your doctor or a mental health expert before beginning any weight loss program. It’s crucial to assess whether you might have, or are at risk of developing, an eating disorder or disordered eating patterns.”
