There may be many reasons why you have less desire to eat than normal. You may be wondering is not eating bad for you? The short answer to this question is yes, not eating is bad for you. A reduced appetite, or not eating enough, may act as an early indicator of an underlying mental health disorder, such as an eating disorder, anxiety, or depression.
If you have had recent changes in your eating or appetite, or if this has been something you have been struggling with a while our therapists are here to support you. We provide therapy in Atlanta, Savannah, and throughout the United States.
Mental Health and Loss of Appetite: What’s the Connection?
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) are mental health conditions associated with abnormal eating behaviors. Other mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, can also cause a lack of appetite and a large reduction in food consumption.
Changes in appetite, or not eating, raise concerns about psychological health and also impact cognitive and physical functions. This includes mood changes, trouble concentrating, and can even produce obsessive-compulsive (OCD)-like behaviors.
Eating Disorders: More Than Just Food Issues
The effects of not eating or not eating enough touches every part of our health. Ongoing food restriction places strain on nearly every organ system, causing widespread stress throughout the body. This stress over time can lead to weakened immunity, loss of bone density, hormonal imbalances, and severe neurological disturbances.
It is necessary to understand the complex outcomes of not eating because it is crucial for both physical well-being and the detection and treatment of potentially severe mental health disorders.
In recent years, the impact of nutrition on mental health has been studied extensively. Research has shown that proper nutrition can lead to improved overall mental health, while poor nutrition can contribute to low moods. Eating disorders are mental health conditions that can lead to abnormal eating behaviors, like the restriction of food.
Anorexia Nervsoa
An example is Anorexia Nervosa; this disorder is characterized by intense food restriction and an intense focus on weight and physical appearance. An individual struggling with Anorexia Nervosa might be underweight, but still feel the need to lose more weight.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is another eating disorder marked by a cycle of binge-eating, then followed by a compensatory behaviour, like self-induced vomiting or laxative use. The cycle is structured around significant anxiety about physical appearance and weight. Not eating many times is less about choice and more a sign of serious mental health challenges.
Many other eating disorders involve similar patterns of avoidance and restriction, and a range of mental health conditions can also play a role in the development of disordered eating behaviors.
How Nutrition Impacts Mental Health
In addition to eating disorders, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can significantly impact appetite and lead to food restriction. Numerous studies have shown a strong link between depression and nutritional intake.
One common symptom of depression is the loss of interest or pleasure in once enjoyable activities (also known as anhedonia), including eating. As a result, individuals experiencing depression may no longer find satisfaction in food or see it as a source of comfort, leading to reduced food intake. This can contribute to malnutrition, which in turn may worsen depressive symptoms. This creates a harmful cycle of poor nutrition and worsening mental health.
Similarly, anxiety can become so intense that the presence of food, or even the thought of eating, becomes distressing or overwhelming. Both conditions can lead to poor nutrition and emotional stress, highlighting the complex relationship between mental health and nutrition.
Emotional and Social Effects of Not Eating
The emotional and social effects of malnutrition are equally as straining on an individual. Lack of nutrition affects how the brain works, leading to thinking and emotional symptoms like:
- Strict, obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors. The famous Minnesota Starvation Experiment showed that not eating enough can lead to constant thoughts about food and OCD-like habits, even in people without previous mental health issues.
- Social withdrawal, loss of interest in relationships, and increased sensitivity to criticism or conflict
- People may stop taking care of themselves or doing daily tasks as their energy and motivation fade
- Avoidance of situations where food might be present
Physical Effects of Undereating
Food restriction has an extreme impact not only on mental wellbeing, but also on physical health. Every system in the human body relies on proper nutrition, and when food intake is insufficient, the whole system is affected. Some of the consequences of chronic under-eating include:
- Slowing down our metabolism and decreasing energy levels due to the body needing to conserve energy
- The brain begins to lose mass, which is known as brain atrophy. Brain atrophy can lead to many cognitive processing deficits
- The bones become extremely weak and lose density
- The menstrual cycle in women gets deregulated and reduces fertility
- Deterioration of heart and muscle tissue, reduced blood pressure and heart rate, and a general decline in physical endurance and strength.
These are only some physical effects that under-eating has on the body. Individuals of any body size can experience malnutrition and symptoms similar to starvation if their basic nutritional needs are not met.
When to Seek Help For Not Eating Enough
It’s essential to seek help if these symptoms are affecting you or someone you care about. If you or a loved one is struggling with not eating, under-eating, skipping meals, or restricting food, seeking professional support as soon as possible is incredibly important.
Best Within You Therapy & Wellness offers therapy and nutritional counseling from experienced specialists and provides support specifically designed for individuals with eating disorders, anxiety, or depression.
We also have an option for an intensive outpatient treatment program for individuals needing more than 1x a week support. If you reach out, we will match you with the best clinician fit and explain your options.
If you would like to schedule a therapy appointment for an eating disorder or eating concern, anxiety, or depression for yourself or a loved one, please visit our appointment page. We have therapy appointments in Savannah, Atlanta, and virtually throughout the US.
Thank you to Best Within You Therapy & Wellness intern Jamie Rubin for this blog post about if not eating is bad for you and how it affects many aspects of life. This blog post was peer reviewed by licensed psychologist, Dr. Rebecca Leslie.
