Non Weight Indicators of Health in Eating Disorder Recovery
When beginning intensive eating disorder recovery treatment, there is often a very strong focus on weight restoration as an indicator of health. And yes, when an individual is underweight, and experiencing symptoms of their low body weight, this is a primary focus initially, in a phase of the recovery work called ‘refeeding’. (Learn more about refeeding in Anorexia Nervosa Recovery here). What is also important to know, is that many eating disorder symptoms we associate with individuals significantly underweight can actually be experienced at many different weights and shapes. Weight cannot and should not be the only indicator of health or lack there-of. (Learn more about why we recommend blind weigh ins during eating disorder recovery here).
Before we look directly at non weight indicators of health in eating disorder recovery, I find it helpful to look at the various symptoms one may experience when sick with an eating disorder, regardless of weight.
Please know that this list is not intended to be a complete list of all possible symptoms, but rather a collection of what we see commonly in our practice.
Eating Disorder Symptoms:
Missing, irregular, or very light menstrual cycle
Low bone mineral density
Frequent headaches
Dizzy spells, light headed, blurred vision
Low heart rate
Low blood sugar
Irritable mood, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks
Confusion, lack of focus
Digestive complaints and discomforts
Irregular bowel movements and/ or constipation
Fatigue
Hair loss/ hair thinning
Soft “peach fuzz” hair on body
Disconnection from hunger and fullness cues
Disconnection and/or shame from body and body functions
Dislike of many foods/ lack of food preference outside of safe and unsafe foods
Retreat from social activities, community, friends and family
As you can see from this list of eating disorder symptoms, there are many impacts of the eating disorder well beyond weight gain and weight loss. Weight restoration and refeeding in eating disorder recovery is slow and steady work (and it is essential this is the case, in order for it to be done as safely and comfortably as possible). But that does not mean you will not see improvements in one's health in the process. We do not need to have complete weight restoration to see improvements in so many of the symptoms above, and much will improve in the process. Similarly, we will not be looking exclusively at the number on the scale to indicate one's health and recovery, but rather that number is one indicator of many that will tell us one is becoming well.
Indicators of Health and Recovery Beyond One’s Weight:
More energy
Improved sleep quality, waking up feeling more rested
Improved mood
More social
Regular menstruation
Reduced dizziness, or none at all!
Reduced headaches
Less confusion, more coherence
Improved focus
Improved digestion, regular bowel movements, less digestive discomforts
Beginning to feel hunger cues and showing more comfort in exploring them
Beginning to show food preferences and engage in food choices outside of what the eating disorder feels safe or unsafe with
More eye contact and conversation at meal times
Engaging in food socially
Interest in hobbies, social activities and life outside of/ beyond the eating disorder
When we can have awareness around the many positive shifts that occur in recovery, it can help the families mindset around the process immensly. This is by no means a quick journey- eating disorder recovery takes time for everyone. However, there are so many moments along the way that help provide glimmers of hope and show us that the work is working! And remember, recovery is not linear, and there is often challenges and succeses each and every day and week. The difficult moments don’t cancel out the wins.
If you are ready to explore what home based recovery looks like, and are wondering if this type of support is the right fit for you and your family, please don’t hesistate to reach out to book a free call. We are always happy to connect.
