Did You Know? Eating Disorders Can Affect Your Bones
Eating disorders can affect parts of the body that we cannot see, including our bones. Bone is living tissue that needs enough energy, protein, minerals and healthy hormonal function to remain strong.
This downloadable Did You Know? fact sheet explores how prolonged inadequate nutrition and low energy availability can affect bone formation and bone mineral density. It looks at the role of hormones, why adolescence and early adulthood are particularly important periods for building bone strength, and why reduced bone density may develop without obvious symptoms.
The resource also explains osteopenia and osteoporosis, fracture risk, why bone health can be relevant at different body sizes, and why simply exercising more is not necessarily the answer when someone is under-fuelled or medically unwell.
Importantly, the fact sheet focuses on recovery and help. Adequate, consistent nutrition is central to protecting bone health, while medical monitoring and psychological treatment can support the wider eating-disorder recovery process.
Recovery is not only about weight. It is also about giving the body the energy and nutrients it needs to maintain, repair and protect the heart, brain, digestive system, bones and every other part of us.
Download the full fact sheet to learn more about eating disorders, bone health, medical assessment and recovery support.
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