Eating disorder resources for families & friends

Key Takeaways

• Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, body sizes, and identities.
• Eating disorders frequently co-occur with other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
• Mental health and eating disorder treatment should address both psychological and physical health.
• Stigma and misconceptions can prevent people from recognizing symptoms or seeking care.
• Early, compassionate support can help people access treatment and move toward recovery.

The Importance of World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental health deserves our attention every single day. It’s a time to come together, to listen, to show compassion, and to take care of ourselves and each other. Like most awareness days, it puts a spotlight on a topic of great importance. Everyone has mental health – it matters every day of the year, but the 10^th of October is a chance for us to share the common humanity of mental health struggles. On this day, Monte Nido encourages everyone to value their own mental health and that of others through greater understanding and empathy.

The 2026 theme, Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change". highlights how disasters, conflicts, and crises amplify the need for accessible, compassionate mental health care. During such times, individuals often experience heightened anxiety, trauma, or disordered coping behaviors — including eating disorders.

At Monte Nido, we believe that no one should face mental health challenges alone. This year’s theme reminds us that mental well-being must remain a priority, even — and especially — in times of crisis. By expanding access to evidence-based, trauma-informed care, we can ensure recovery and resilience remain within reach for all.

What is World Mental Health Day and When Is It?

World Mental Health Day is observed globally every year on October 10, led by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The first observance took place in 1992, with the goal of promoting open dialogue about mental health and improving access to services worldwide.

Since then, WMHD has evolved into a global movement. Governments, mental health organizations, and advocacy groups use this day to spark conversations, share education, and highlight both progress and ongoing barriers to care.

Every year, a new theme addresses a critical mental health issue — from stigma reduction to workplace wellness, from youth mental health to post-pandemic recovery. In 2025, the focus turns toward mental health during catastrophes and emergencies, calling attention to how natural disasters, conflict, and instability disrupt access to essential care.

For individuals with eating disorders, these challenges can make recovery even more difficult — underscoring the importance of specialized, integrated support.

WMHD 2026 Theme: Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change

The 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” emphasizes the importance of listening to people who have firsthand experience with mental health challenges. Lived experience can provide valuable insight into what support feels helpful, where barriers to care exist, and how mental health services can better meet people's needs.

For people with eating disorders, being heard is particularly important. Stigma and misconceptions can make it difficult for individuals to recognize their symptoms, feel understood, or believe they are “sick enough” to deserve support.

Listening to lived experiences can help challenge assumptions about who develops an eating disorder and what recovery looks like. It can also highlight gaps in care experienced by people whose identities, bodies, backgrounds, or circumstances have historically been underrepresented in conversations about eating disorders.

Centering individual voices means:

• Listening without judgment
• Taking people's concerns seriously
• Recognizing that mental health experiences vary widely
• Avoiding assumptions based on appearance or identity
• Including lived experience in conversations about improving care
• Making mental health resources more accessible and inclusive

Every recovery journey is different. By listening to the people directly affected by mental health conditions, we can build greater understanding, reduce stigma, and work toward care that better reflects what individuals and communities actually need.

Eating Disorders and Mental Health

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, not lifestyle choices. They affect emotions, behaviors, and physical health — often developing as ways to manage pain, anxiety, or trauma.

These illnesses thrive in silence, which is why continued education and awareness are critical. Like other mental health challenges, eating disorders require specialized, compassionate care to address both the psychological and physical components of recovery.

Why eating disorders are mental health issues:

• They stem from emotional distress, not vanity or willpower.

• They’re often linked to perfectionism, low self-esteem, or control needs.

• They coexist with other disorders, such as depression or anxiety.

• They respond best to integrated, evidence-based mental health treatment.

At Monte Nido, our multidisciplinary teams focus on the whole person — exploring underlying emotions and teaching new ways to cope, connect, and care for oneself. Healing begins when we treat the mind, body, and spirit together.

Are Eating Disorders a Mental Illness?

Yes — eating disorders are classified as mental health disorders by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). They are not choices or phases, but serious conditions that can affect physical and emotional well-being.

Common misconceptions — such as the belief that eating disorders are “only about food” or “only affect a certain body type” — can delay diagnosis and treatment. In reality, these disorders are rooted in complex psychological, social, and biological factors.

Recognizing eating disorders as mental illnesses helps reduce stigma and reinforces the importance of professional treatment. Recovery requires addressing both the emotional and behavioral dimensions — and with the right support, full healing is possible.

Conditions Often Co-occurring with Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are just one form of mental health illness. It is common for the people we help to experience other psychiatric illnesses on top of their eating disorder    

On WMHD, we notice and appreciate how poor mental health negatively impact life functioning and goals. The longer that people struggle in silence, the more severe and impairing symptoms can become, and the farther that people move away from the lives they want to lead.  

Common co-occurring conditions include:

• Depression: Persistent sadness, guilt, or hopelessness

• Anxiety disorders: Worry, panic, or obsessive thoughts related to food or body image

• Bipolar disorder: Mood fluctuations that affect appetite and self-regulation

• Substance use disorders: Using drugs or alcohol as a form of coping

Research shows that over 85% of individuals with eating disorders have at least one additional mental health diagnosis.

Monte Nido utilizes several evidence-based treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address these overlapping concerns. By treating the root causes alongside symptoms, clients develop healthier relationships with themselves — and with recovery.

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Eating Disorders and PTSD

How trauma influences disordered eating:

• Eating behaviors may become coping mechanisms to manage distress or regain control.

• Body image can become distorted as a result of trauma or dissociation.

• Triggers can reignite symptoms long after the event has passed.

At Monte Nido, we know from our own research (link) that clients with trauma and PTSD come to treatment with more severe eating disorders than those clients who do not have PTSD. We work hard to provide trauma-informed care across all programs.  

Healing from trauma takes time — but with safety, understanding, and skilled support, recovery is not only possible, it’s sustainable.

Breaking the Stigma Around Eating Disorders and Mental Health

Stigma can make it harder for people to recognize mental health symptoms, talk openly about what they are experiencing, or seek professional support. Eating disorders are particularly vulnerable to misconceptions about what they look like, who develops them, and why they occur.

Challenging those misconceptions is an important part of improving access to care.

Eating disorders are not choices. They are complex mental health conditions influenced by biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.

They are not limited to one demographic. Eating disorders can affect people across ages, genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and body sizes.

Someone does not need to “look sick” to need treatment. You cannot determine whether someone has an eating disorder or how medically or psychologically unwell they are based on appearance.

Mental health symptoms are not character flaws. Struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorder behaviors, or another mental health concern is not evidence of weakness or a lack of willpower.

Asking for help is not weakness. Reaching out can be an important step toward understanding what is happening and accessing appropriate care.

Reducing stigma creates more opportunities for honest conversations. When people feel safe discussing their symptoms without fear of judgment, they may be more likely to seek support before those symptoms become increasingly disruptive.

Mental Health and Eating Disorder Issues Can Affect Anyone

Eating disorders do not have one “look,” and they are not limited to any particular type of person. Stereotypes about who experiences an eating disorder can contribute to missed symptoms, delayed diagnoses, and barriers to treatment.

Eating disorders and other mental health conditions can affect:

• Adolescents and adults: Mental health concerns can emerge at any stage of life.
• Men and boys: Gender stereotypes can make eating disorder symptoms less likely to be recognized or discussed.
• LGBTQIA+ individuals: Discrimination, minority stress, gender dysphoria, and other identity-related experiences may intersect with mental health and eating disorder symptoms.
• BIPOC communities: Cultural stigma, disparities in diagnosis, and limited access to culturally responsive care can create additional barriers to support.
• People across body sizes: A person's body size cannot determine whether they have an eating disorder or how serious their symptoms may be.
• People with disabilities: Physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities can intersect with mental health needs in unique ways.
• People from different socioeconomic backgrounds: Financial circumstances, insurance coverage, transportation, geography, and other factors can influence access to treatment.

Recognizing this diversity is essential to reducing stigma. Mental health care should respond to each person's individual symptoms, identity, circumstances, and needs rather than relying on stereotypes about who is expected to struggle.

How to Support Mental Health Awareness on WMHD

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for everyone — individuals, families, and organizations — to help normalize conversations about mental health and advocate for better access to care.

On this World Mental Health Day, we fight against the eating disorder’s tendency to push people toward isolation and disconnection. Through an emphasis on self-awareness and communication we support our clients and alumni to acknowledge their mental health struggles. Communicating one’s needs in the midst of mental health struggles is difficult, requiring courage and vulnerability. Some important skills that align with the values of WMHD (increased awareness, decreased stigma, and mobilizing efforts) include:

• Taking the time and space for mindful self-reflection to identify your own needs in the moment,  

• Communicating specifically what would be helpful from the supportive people in your life who care for you

• Practice being kind, compassionate, and non-judgmental in your reactions toward yourself and others.

Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Educate yourself and others: Share facts and resources about mental health and eating disorders.

• Start conversations: Ask loved ones how they’re doing — and listen without judgment.

• Advocate for access: Support policies and organizations working to make treatment affordable and inclusive.

• Show support: Small gestures of empathy can help someone feel less alone.

At Monte Nido, we see awareness as the first step toward change. Every conversation helps dismantle stigma and creates space for compassion and understanding — two of the most powerful tools for healing.

When Should You Seek Help for Your Mental Health?

Mental health symptoms do not need to reach a crisis point before you seek support. Changes that persist, become increasingly difficult to manage, or begin interfering with everyday life may indicate that it is time to talk with a mental health professional.

Signs that additional support may be helpful include:

• Persistent changes in eating patterns or appetite
• Increasing anxiety around food, eating, exercise, or body image
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities you previously enjoyed
• Difficulty concentrating or functioning at school or work
• Compulsive or increasingly rigid behaviors
• Significant or persistent changes in mood
• Trauma-related symptoms, including intrusive memories, avoidance, or feeling constantly on alert
• Feeling unable to manage symptoms independently
• Mental health concerns that interfere with relationships or daily responsibilities

You do not need to know exactly what is wrong before asking for help. A qualified professional can assess your symptoms, answer questions, and help determine what type of support may be appropriate.

If eating disorder symptoms are present, seeking specialized care is particularly important. Eating disorders can affect both physical and psychological health, and early intervention can help address concerns before they become more entrenched.

If you or someone else is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis or is in danger, seek emergency assistance or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support in the United States.

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Resources for Eating Disorders & Mental Health Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or an eating disorder, help is available.

National and Global Resources:

• The Trevor Project – Crisis and suicide prevention support for LGBTQIA+ youth

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Free, 24/7 mental health support in the U.S.

Monte Nido Resources:

• Monte Nido Blog – Articles on eating disorders, trauma, and mental health

• Eating Disorder Treatment Programs – Inclusive, evidence-based treatment options

• Trauma-Informed Care at Monte Nido – Learn more about our approach

If you’re facing challenges accessing treatment, we encourage you to reach out — our team can help you explore care options and discuss what support might be available.  

Monte Nido also partners with organizations like Project HEAL, which offers assistance and advocacy for individuals experiencing barriers to eating disorder care. You don’t have to navigate this alone — help and resources are here for you.

What Does Integrated Eating Disorder Treatment Look Like?

Because eating disorders affect both mental and physical health and frequently occur alongside other mental health conditions, effective treatment often involves multiple types of support working together.

An integrated treatment plan may include:

• Medical care: Monitoring physical health, medical complications, medications, and overall stability.
• Nutritional support: Working with registered dietitians to support nutritional rehabilitation and develop a more sustainable relationship with food.
• Individual therapy: Exploring thoughts, emotions, behaviors, coping strategies, and underlying factors contributing to the eating disorder.
• Group therapy: Building skills and connecting with others navigating similar aspects of recovery.
• Family involvement: Helping family members and other support people better understand the eating disorder and learn how to support recovery when appropriate.
• Treatment for co-occurring conditions: Addressing anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, or other mental health concerns alongside the eating disorder.
• Trauma-informed approaches: Recognizing how trauma may affect symptoms while prioritizing safety and avoiding retraumatization.
• Different levels of care: Matching treatment intensity to each person's medical, nutritional, and psychological needs.

At Monte Nido, multidisciplinary teams work together to understand the whole person rather than treating symptoms in isolation. Depending on individual needs, treatment may occur through inpatient, residential, day, or virtual programming.

Integrated care also recognizes that treatment plans may change throughout recovery. As individuals become more medically and psychologically stable, they can transition to different levels of support while continuing to strengthen the skills, relationships, and resources that support long-term recovery.

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Taking the Next Step: Reach Out for Help

This World Mental Health Day, remember that mental health is health — and everyone deserves access to care that is compassionate, evidence-based, and affirming.

This year’s theme aligns with Monte Nido’s mission to constantly expand our insurance contracts and design financial agreements with other insurance companies when we can. We focus on maintaining or acquiring access to support services at all levels of care through comprehensive discharge and relapse prevention planning.  

Our clients and alumni often describe the challenges they face in identifying and seeking support for mental health struggles; it is such a common experience. At Monte Nido, we prioritize the development of self-advocacy to increase our client’s access to people, organizations, and resources that support ongoing recovery.  

Monte Nido is here for people at every stage of their recovery and mental health journey.  Whether you’re asking for help, waiting for mental health support, supporting someone close to you, or feeling unseen or unheard, you’re not alone.

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Key Takeaways

• Anorexia athletica is a term used to describe patterns of restrictive eating and compulsive exercise in athletes and highly active individuals. It is not an official DSM-5 diagnosis. 

• Performance pressures, diet culture, and low energy availability can contribute to unhealthy exercise, body image concerns, and eating behaviors.    

• The condition can affect both physical and mental health, increasing the risk of injuries, hormonal changes, fatigue, and emotional distress. 

• Early recognition and multidisciplinary treatment can support recovery. 

• Recovery focuses on restoring both physical health and a balanced relationship with food, exercise, and identity. 

Wondering if you may be experiencing symptoms of anorexia? Take our anorexia quiz to learn more.

What Is Anorexia Athletica?

Anorexia athletica is a term sometimes used to describe patterns of restrictive eating, excessive exercise, and an intense drive to improve athletic performance or maintain a certain physique. Although the term is widely discussed in sports medicine and eating disorder literature, it is not an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 

Instead, anorexia athletica describes behaviors that may place athletes and highly active individuals at risk for disordered eating, low energy availability, and other physical or psychological complications. Some individuals who are described as having anorexia athletica may meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, while others experience problematic behaviors that still require attention and support. 

Unlike healthy athletic training, anorexia athletica is characterized by an unhealthy relationship with food, exercise, or body weight that begins interfering with health, performance, or daily life. 

The term is most commonly discussed in relation to: 

• Competitive athletes 

• Endurance athletes 

• Dancers and performers 

• Gymnasts 

• Figure skaters 

• Wrestlers and weight-class athletes 

• Recreational athletes 

• Fitness enthusiasts 

Recognizing these patterns early is important because eating disorders and disordered eating can affect athletes of every gender, body size, age, and level of competition. 

Who Is Most at Risk for Anorexia Athletica?

Although anyone can develop unhealthy relationships with food or exercise, certain environments may increase the likelihood of anorexia athletica or other forms of disordered eating. 

Individuals who may face greater risk include: 

• Athletes participating in weight-class sports 

• Endurance athletes 

• Gymnasts 

• Dancers 

• Figure skaters 

• Distance runners 

• Swimmers 

• Bodybuilders 

• Recreational athletes training for competitions 

• Fitness enthusiasts pursuing aesthetic goals 

Participation in these activities does not mean someone will develop an eating disorder. Many athletes maintain healthy relationships with food and exercise throughout their careers. 

Risk increases when athletic success becomes closely tied to body weight, appearance, or restrictive eating behaviors. Individual factors such as perfectionism, anxiety, genetics, previous dieting, and personal experiences also influence risk. 

It is equally important to recognize that anorexia athletica is not limited to elite athletes. Individuals training for marathons, participating in recreational sports leagues, or following intensive fitness routines can also experience unhealthy exercise and eating patterns that deserve professional attention.  These issues span the age range from pre-pubertal to middle age and older.   

When Sports Culture Encourages Harmful Behaviors 

Sports can teach discipline, resilience, teamwork, and confidence. However, some athletic environments may unintentionally reinforce behaviors that increase the risk of disordered eating. 

Potential contributors include: 

• Pressure to maintain a lean physique 

• Weight-focused coaching practices 

• Public weigh-ins 

• Comparing body composition among teammates 

• Messages that thinner bodies perform better 

• "No pain, no gain" attitudes 

• Expectations to train despite fatigue or injury 

• Social media content promoting unrealistic athletic ideals 

For some athletes, these messages may gradually normalize restrictive eating or excessive exercise, making unhealthy behaviors feel like part of successful training. 

At the same time, it is important not to assume that every athlete experiences these pressures in the same way. Coaching style, team culture, access to nutrition education, family support, and individual personality all influence how athletes respond to performance expectations. 

Creating environments that value health, recovery, and long-term performance can help reduce unnecessary pressure while supporting both athletic success and overall well-being. 

When Does Healthy Training Become Harmful?

Exercise is an important part of both physical and mental health for many people. Training becomes concerning when it is no longer guided by health, enjoyment, or performance goals alone, but instead by fear, guilt, or rigid rules that are difficult to break. 

Healthy athletic training typically includes: 

• Adequate nutrition to support activity 

• Planned rest and recovery days 

• Flexibility when schedules change 

• Listening to the body's signals 

• Adjusting training after illness or injury 

• Performance goals that prioritize overall health 

When exercise becomes compulsive, these healthy habits often become more difficult to maintain. 

Warning signs may include: 

• Feeling panicked or guilty after missing a workout 

• Exercising despite illness or injury 

• Refusing recommended rest days 

• Constantly training in a calorie deficit 

• Restricting food to "earn" exercise 

• Feeling unable to reduce training volume 

• Prioritizing exercise over work, school, relationships, or recovery 

• Continuing to train even as performance declines 

Ironically, inadequate fueling often reduces athletic performance rather than improving it. Without enough energy, the body struggles to recover, build strength, maintain endurance, and adapt to training demands. 

Learning to recognize these warning signs early can help athletes seek support before physical and psychological complications become more severe. 

Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia Athletica

The signs of anorexia athletica often develop gradually and may initially appear to reflect dedication to training. Over time, however, these behaviors can begin affecting physical health, emotional well-being, and athletic performance. 

Physical

Common physical symptoms may include: 

• Weight loss 

• Fatigue 

• Frequent injuries 

• Stress fractures 

• Low energy availability 

• Menstrual changes 

• Hormonal changes 

Behavioral

Changes in exercise or eating behaviors may include: 

• Exercise despite injury 

• Rigid workout schedule 

• Anxiety when unable to exercise 

• Food restriction 

• Skipping meals 

• Calorie obsession 

Emotional

Many individuals also experience emotional changes that become closely tied to exercise and performance. 

These may include: 

• Guilt after rest 

• Self-worth tied to performance 

• Fear of losing fitness 

• Irritability 

Recognizing these symptoms early can help individuals receive support before more serious medical or psychological complications develop. 

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What Causes Anorexia Athletica?

There is no single cause of anorexia athletica. Instead, it usually develops through a combination of personal, environmental, and cultural influences that shape how someone views exercise, food, and athletic performance. 

Several factors may contribute, including: 

• Performance pressure: Feeling that success depends on maintaining a certain weight or body composition. 

• Coaching environment: Receiving repeated messages that emphasize weight over overall health or performance. 

• Perfectionism: Setting exceptionally high standards and feeling dissatisfied despite accomplishments. 

• Competitive culture: Comparing performance, physique, or training habits with teammates or competitors. 

• Social media: Exposure to unrealistic fitness ideals or "fitspiration" content that promotes extreme behaviors. 

• Diet culture: Believing restrictive eating is necessary to be healthy, successful, or athletic. 

• Genetics: Having a biological predisposition to eating disorders or other mental health conditions. 

• Personality traits: Experiencing high achievement orientation, rigidity, or anxiety that can increase vulnerability. 

No single factor causes anorexia athletica, and not everyone exposed to these influences will develop disordered eating. Understanding these contributing factors helps clinicians create individualized treatment plans that address both behaviors and the underlying reasons they developed. 

When Athletic Performance Becomes Part of Your Identity

For many athletes, sports become an important source of confidence, purpose, and community. While this can be positive, problems may arise when athletic performance becomes the primary measure of self-worth. Pressures to perform in sports may be augmented by parents' desires to see their child excel in a competitive sport as well. 

An individual may begin believing that their value depends on: 

• Winning competitions 

• Training harder than others 

• Maintaining a certain body composition 

• Never missing a workout 

• Constantly improving performance 

When identity becomes closely tied to athletics, setbacks can feel overwhelming. An injury, missed workout, or decline in performance may trigger intense anxiety or feelings of failure. 

Some athletes also fear: 

• Losing their fitness 

• Letting teammates or coaches down 

• Falling behind competitors 

• Losing scholarships or opportunities 

• No longer feeling successful or respected 

Recovery often involves rebuilding identity beyond sport. 

Treatment may encourage individuals to reconnect with other meaningful parts of themselves, including relationships, education, hobbies, creativity, career goals, or personal values. Rather than replacing athletics, recovery helps athletes develop a more balanced sense of identity that is not dependent on performance alone. 

This broader perspective can improve both emotional well-being and long-term athletic participation. 

Anorexia Athletica vs. Anorexia Nervosa

Although the terms are sometimes confused, anorexia athletica and anorexia nervosa are not the same. 

Anorexia athletica is not an official psychiatric diagnosis. It is a descriptive term that has historically been used to describe restrictive eating and compulsive exercise motivated primarily by athletic performance, body composition, or fitness goals. 

Anorexia nervosa is a recognized eating disorder characterized by: 

• Persistent restriction of energy intake 

• Intense fear of gaining weight 

• Behaviors that interfere with weight restoration 

• Disturbance in how body weight or shape is experienced 

There can be significant overlap between the two. 

Some athletes who are initially described as having anorexia athletica may meet the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa or another eating disorder. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often have behaviors of compulsive exercise which some consider a form of purging is a means of getting rid of unwanted calories. Others may engage in concerning behaviors that affect their health without meeting full diagnostic criteria. 

The most important consideration is not the label itself, but whether eating or exercise behaviors are negatively affecting physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, or daily functioning. 

A comprehensive evaluation by an eating disorder professional can help determine the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. 

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Exercise Bulimia vs. Anorexia Athletica

Exercise bulimia and anorexia athletica both involve excessive or compulsive exercise, but the motivations behind these behaviors often differ. 

In exercise bulimia, compulsive exercise is typically used as a compensatory behavior after eating. The goal is often to "burn off" calories or reduce anxiety related to food intake. 

In anorexia athletica, exercise is more commonly driven by athletic performance, body composition goals, or the belief that constant training is necessary for success. 

Despite these differences, both conditions may involve: 

• Difficulty taking rest days 

• Anxiety when unable to exercise 

• Exercising despite illness or injury 

• Rigid exercise routines 

• Emotional distress when workouts are interrupted 

It is important not to oversimplify either condition. Motivations for exercise are often complex, and an individual's reasons may change over time. Some people experience characteristics of both patterns simultaneously. 

Rather than focusing on the amount of exercise alone, clinicians consider the purpose it serves, its impact on physical and emotional health, and whether it interferes with daily functioning when determining appropriate treatment. 

How Anorexia Athletica Can Affect Physical and Mental Health

Anorexia athletica can affect much more than athletic performance. When the body does not receive enough energy to support both exercise and normal physiological functions, physical and psychological health can begin to decline. 

Physical health effects: 

Low energy availability can contribute to a wide range of complications, including a drop in body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate to the point of medical instability. Additionally: 

• Stress fractures and recurring injuries 

• Delayed recovery after training 

• Persistent fatigue or low energy 

• Hormonal disruption 

• Reduced bone density 

• Menstrual irregularities or loss of menstruation 

• Reduced testosterone levels in males 

• Digestive concerns, including constipation or bloating 

These complications can ultimately reduce strength, endurance, coordination, and overall athletic performance. 

The psychological impact can be just as significant and worsens as weight decreases. 

Some individuals experience: 

• Increased anxiety around food or exercise 

• Depression or low mood 

• Burnout from constant performance pressure 

• Obsessive thoughts about training or nutrition 

• Difficulty relaxing or taking rest days 

• Social isolation due to rigid exercise or eating routines 

• Declining self-esteem when performance changes 

Over time, these physical and emotional effects often reinforce one another. Fatigue may increase anxiety about losing fitness, while emotional distress may contribute to further restriction or compulsive exercise. Recognizing these patterns early can help prevent complications from becoming more severe and support a healthier relationship with both sport and recovery. 

Anorexia Athletica and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) 

One of the most significant medical concerns associated with anorexia athletica is Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). RED-S occurs when the body does not receive enough energy through nutrition to support both exercise and normal physiological functions. 

At the center of RED-S is Low Energy Availability (LEA). This means that after accounting for energy used during exercise, there is not enough fuel remaining to support essential body processes. 

Low energy availability can affect: 

• Hormone production 

• Bone health 

• Immune function 

• Cardiovascular health 

• Metabolism 

• Growth and development 

• Recovery after exercise 

• Athletic performance 

Historically, many healthcare professionals discussed the Female Athlete Triad, a condition involving low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and reduced bone density. While this concept remains important, RED-S is now considered a more comprehensive framework because it recognizes that low energy availability affects athletes of all genders and influences many body systems beyond reproductive health. 

Athletes experiencing RED-S may notice: 

• Fatigue that does not improve with rest 

• Declining performance 

• Frequent illnesses 

• Recurrent injuries 

• Mood changes 

• Difficulty recovering between workouts 

Because these symptoms often develop gradually, they may be mistaken for overtraining or simply working harder. A medical evaluation can help determine whether low energy availability or another condition is contributing to these changes and guide appropriate treatment.  

How Is Anorexia Athletica Treated?

Treatment for anorexia athletica focuses on restoring physical health while helping individuals build a healthier relationship with food, exercise, and athletic performance. Because symptoms can affect multiple aspects of health, treatment is most effective when delivered by a multidisciplinary team. 

Depending on an individual's needs, treatment may include: 

• A physician to monitor medical stability, evaluate complications, and determine when exercise restrictions or additional medical care are necessary. 

• A registered dietitian to restore adequate nutrition, address low energy availability, and help develop flexible, performance-supportive eating habits. 

• A therapist to address perfectionism, anxiety, body image concerns, identity, and unhealthy relationships with exercise. 

• An athletic trainer or physical therapist to guide safe movement, injury recovery, and return-to-sport planning when appropriate. 

• A psychiatrist, when indicated, to evaluate and treat co-occurring mental health conditions that may benefit from medication. 

Treatment plans vary depending on the severity of symptoms. Some individuals benefit from outpatient care, while others may require more intensive treatment and monitoring and support to avoid exercising if significant medical or psychological concerns are present. 

Recovery is not about eliminating exercise forever. Instead, treatment helps individuals learn how nutrition, rest, and movement work together to support both health and performance. 

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Returning to Exercise Safely

Returning to training should always be guided by a qualified treatment team rather than a desire to resume activity as quickly as possible. 

A gradual return often includes: 

• Medical clearance before increasing activity by an eating disorder treatment professional 

• Adequate nutrition to meet training demands 

• Scheduled recovery days 

• Monitoring physical and emotional symptoms 

• Flexible exercise plans that prioritize health 

When the body receives enough fuel to recover and adapt, athletic performance often improves alongside overall well-being. 

How Can You Recover from Anorexia Athletica?

Recovery from anorexia athletica is possible, and many athletes are able to return to movement in ways that support both their health and their goals. The earlier treatment begins, the more effectively medical complications and unhealthy patterns can be addressed. 

Recovery often involves learning to: 

• View food as essential fuel rather than something to control or earn 

• Develop a more flexible relationship with exercise 

• Recognize the importance of rest and recovery 

• Challenge perfectionistic thinking 

• Build coping skills that extend beyond athletics 

• Reconnect with interests, relationships, and personal values outside of sport 

For many individuals, one of the most meaningful parts of recovery is discovering that their identity is much larger than athletic performance. Success can include qualities such as resilience, compassion, creativity, leadership, and connection, not just training results or competition outcomes. 

Recovery does not mean giving up on athletics. Instead, it means creating a healthier foundation that allows sport to become one meaningful part of life rather than the sole measure of self-worth. With the right support, it is possible to enjoy movement while protecting both physical and mental health. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is anorexia athletica?

Anorexia athletica is a descriptive term used to describe restrictive eating and compulsive exercise patterns that are often motivated by athletic performance or body composition goals. It is not an official DSM-5 diagnosis. 

Is anorexia athletica an eating disorder?

Not necessarily. Some individuals described as having anorexia athletica meet the criteria for anorexia nervosa or another eating disorder, while others experience disordered eating behaviors that still require professional attention. 

What are the warning signs of anorexia athletica?

Common warning signs include excessive exercise, restrictive eating, anxiety about missing workouts, frequent injuries, declining performance, fatigue, and feeling guilty when resting. 

Can recreational athletes develop anorexia athletica?

Yes. Although the term is often associated with competitive sports, recreational athletes, runners, dancers, and fitness enthusiasts can also develop unhealthy relationships with food and exercise. 

What's the difference between exercise bulimia and anorexia athletica?

Exercise bulimia generally involves using exercise to compensate for eating, whereas anorexia athletica is more commonly driven by athletic performance or fitness goals. Both can involve compulsive exercise and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. 

Can anorexia athletica become anorexia nervosa?

In some cases, yes. Restrictive eating and compulsive exercise may progress into a diagnosable eating disorder, which is why early recognition and intervention are important. 

Recovery Starts with a Healthy Relationship with Food and Exercise

Whether someone is competing at an elite level, training recreationally, or simply striving to stay active, exercise should support health rather than compromise it. When eating and exercise become driven by fear, guilt, or rigid rules, seeking help early can prevent more serious physical and emotional consequences. 

Recovery from anorexia athletica is about more than improving nutrition or reducing exercise. It is about rebuilding trust in your body, developing flexibility, and recognizing that your worth extends far beyond athletic performance. 

With compassionate, evidence-based treatment and the support of a multidisciplinary team, it is possible to restore your health, strengthen your relationship with food and movement, and return to the activities you enjoy in a more balanced and sustainable way. 

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Key Takeaways

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a recognized mental health condition characterized by persistent distress about perceived flaws in appearance.
• While many people experience insecurities about their appearance, BDD involves thoughts and behaviors that significantly interfere with daily life.
• BDD is different from an eating disorder, although the two conditions can occur together.
• Effective treatment often includes therapy, support, and, in some cases, medication.
• If appearance-related concerns are affecting your well-being or functioning, seeking an evaluation from a qualified mental health professional can be an important first step.

What Is Body Dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphia, formally known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition in which a person becomes preoccupied with one or more perceived flaws in their appearance. These concerns often focus on features that appear minor or are not noticeable to others, yet they can cause significant emotional distress and interfere with everyday life.

BDD is recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as an obsessive-compulsive and related disorder. It is not simply vanity or a desire to look different. Instead, individuals with BDD often experience persistent, intrusive thoughts about their appearance that are difficult to control.

Common areas of concern may include:

• Skin or complexion
• Hair or hairline
• Nose
• Teeth
• Facial features
• Body shape or specific body parts
• Muscle size or definition

Everyone has moments of feeling self-conscious about their appearance. With BDD, however, appearance-related concerns are more persistent, distressing, and time consuming. They may lead someone to repeatedly check mirrors, seek reassurance, avoid social situations, or spend hours thinking about perceived flaws.

Recognizing the difference between everyday insecurities and symptoms of BDD can help individuals seek appropriate support and treatment.

How Do You Know if You Have Body Dysmorphia?

Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose Body Dysmorphic Disorder. However, recognizing common patterns may help you decide whether it is time to seek an evaluation.

People with BDD often describe feeling consumed by appearance-related thoughts that are difficult to ignore. These concerns may occupy hours of the day and continue even after receiving reassurance from others that the perceived flaw is not noticeable.

Rather than asking whether you dislike a part of your appearance, it may be more helpful to consider how much these thoughts affect your daily life.

Questions to reflect on include:

• Do appearance concerns occupy a significant amount of your day?
• Do these thoughts interfere with work, school, or relationships?
• Do you avoid activities because of concerns about your appearance?
• Do you repeatedly check or avoid mirrors?
• Do you feel intense distress if you cannot change or hide a perceived flaw?

Answering "yes" to one or more of these questions does not mean you have BDD. Many different mental health conditions can involve body image concerns. A comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether symptoms are consistent with BDD, another condition, or typical body image concerns while identifying the most appropriate treatment approach.

Common Signs of Body Dysmorphia

People living with BDD may experience a variety of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms.

Common signs include:

• Persistent thoughts about perceived appearance flaws
• Frequent mirror checking or intentionally avoiding mirrors
• Excessive grooming or attempts to hide perceived flaws
• Seeking repeated reassurance about appearance
• Comparing appearance to other people
• Avoiding photographs
• Avoiding social situations because of appearance concerns
• Feeling significant distress that interferes with daily functioning
• Difficulty concentrating because appearance concerns dominate attention

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and the severity of BDD can vary considerably from person to person.

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Body Dysmorphia vs. Body Image Concerns

Most people experience insecurities about their appearance from time to time. It is common to have days when you feel less confident or wish you could change certain features. However, occasional dissatisfaction is different from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

The key differences involve the frequency, intensity, and impact of appearance-related concerns.

Typical appearance insecurities may:

• Come and go over time
• Improve with reassurance or changing circumstances
• Have little effect on daily activities

Negative body image often involves dissatisfaction with body shape, size, or appearance that affects self-esteem. While these thoughts can be distressing, they do not always interfere significantly with work, school, relationships, or daily functioning.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder involves persistent preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws in appearance that causes significant distress or impairment. Individuals with BDD often spend considerable time thinking about these concerns and may engage in repetitive behaviors, such as mirror checking, grooming, or reassurance seeking, in an attempt to reduce anxiety.

Rather than asking whether someone dislikes their appearance, clinicians consider how much time appearance-related thoughts occupy, how distressing they are, and whether they interfere with everyday life. These distinctions help guide diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Body Dysmorphia vs. Eating Disorders: What's the Difference?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder and eating disorders are separate mental health conditions, although they can occur together. Both may involve body image distress, but they differ in what those concerns center on and how they affect behavior.

With Body Dysmorphic Disorder, the primary concern is a perceived flaw in physical appearance. The focus may be on facial features, skin, hair, muscle size, or another body part that feels unacceptable or defective, even if others do not notice it.

With eating disorders, concerns typically involve body weight, body shape, food, eating behaviors, or attempts to change body size. These thoughts are accompanied by behaviors such as restriction, binge eating, purging, or compulsive exercise that affect nutritional and physical health.

Although the conditions are different, they may overlap. Someone with an eating disorder may also experience symptoms of BDD, while someone with BDD may develop disordered eating behaviors related to appearance concerns.

Understanding these distinctions is important because treatment should address the individual's complete clinical picture rather than focusing on only one diagnosis.

If you are exploring body image concerns, you may also find it helpful to learn about:

• Body neutrality and developing a more balanced relationship with your body
• The different types of eating disorders and their symptoms
• Healthy approaches to improving body image and self-esteem

A comprehensive evaluation can help determine the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

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What Causes Body Dysmorphia?

There is no single cause of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Like many mental health conditions, BDD is believed to develop through a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that vary from person to person.

Factors associated with BDD may include:

• Genetics: Having a family history of obsessive-compulsive disorder, BDD, or other mental health conditions may increase risk.
• Brain differences: Research suggests differences in how some individuals process visual information and appearance-related thoughts.
• Personality traits: Perfectionism, sensitivity to criticism, or high levels of anxiety may contribute to vulnerability.
• Trauma or adverse experiences: Bullying, teasing, abuse, or other difficult life experiences may influence body image and self-perception.
• Social media: Frequent exposure to edited images, beauty filters, or appearance-focused content may increase comparison and dissatisfaction for some people.
• Cultural appearance ideals: Messages that promote unrealistic beauty standards can reinforce concerns about appearance, particularly when combined with other risk factors.

Not everyone exposed to these influences develops BDD, and many people with BDD do not share the same experiences. Understanding the factors that may contribute to the disorder helps reduce stigma and reinforces that BDD is a complex mental health condition, not a personal choice or lack of confidence.

How Body Dysmorphia Can Affect Daily Life

Body Dysmorphic Disorder can influence nearly every aspect of daily life. Because appearance-related thoughts are often persistent and difficult to dismiss, they may interfere with responsibilities, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Some individuals notice challenges in areas such as:

• School: Difficulty concentrating, avoiding presentations, or missing classes because of appearance concerns.
• Work: Reduced productivity, avoiding meetings, or feeling distracted by intrusive thoughts.
• Relationships: Withdrawing from friends, declining invitations, or worrying that others are judging their appearance.
• Self-esteem: Feeling that personal worth depends on changing or hiding a perceived flaw.
• Mental health: Increased anxiety, depression, shame, or obsessive thinking.

BDD may also lead to avoidance behaviors, including:

• Avoiding mirrors or checking them repeatedly
• Canceling social plans
• Refusing to be photographed
• Wearing clothing or makeup to conceal perceived flaws
• Spending excessive time preparing to leave the house

Over time, these patterns can become increasingly disruptive, making it difficult to participate fully in work, school, relationships, and activities that once felt enjoyable. Early recognition and professional support can help interrupt this cycle and improve overall quality of life.

When to Seek Professional Help

Everyone experiences moments of self-consciousness, but persistent appearance-related concerns that begin affecting daily life deserve attention. If thoughts about your appearance feel difficult to control or consume a significant amount of time each day, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional.

Consider seeking an evaluation if appearance concerns are:

• Persistent and difficult to dismiss
• Causing significant emotional distress
• Taking up hours of your day
• Interfering with school, work, or relationships
• Leading you to avoid social situations or activities
• Causing repetitive behaviors such as mirror checking, grooming, or reassurance seeking
• Occurring alongside symptoms of anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder

It is important to remember that self-assessment is not the same as a diagnosis. Many mental health conditions can involve body image concerns, and only a qualified clinician can determine whether symptoms are consistent with Body Dysmorphic Disorder or another condition.

Seeking help early can reduce distress, improve daily functioning, and connect you with effective, evidence-based treatment before symptoms become more disruptive.

How Body Dysmorphia Is Treated

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a treatable mental health condition. Treatment plans are individualized and designed to address both the distress caused by appearance-related thoughts and the behaviors that maintain them.

Depending on a person's needs, treatment may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is considered one of the primary evidence-based treatments for BDD. It helps individuals identify unhelpful thought patterns, reduce compulsive behaviors, and develop healthier ways of responding to appearance-related distress.
• Medication: Some individuals may benefit from medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider, particularly when symptoms are severe or occur alongside anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
• Treatment for co-occurring conditions: If BDD occurs alongside an eating disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, or another mental health condition, treatment should address all diagnoses rather than focusing on only one.
• Support systems: Family members, trusted friends, and support groups can provide encouragement while reinforcing treatment goals and healthy coping strategies.

Recovery takes time, and progress often happens gradually. With consistent treatment and support, many individuals experience meaningful improvements in their symptoms, relationships, and overall quality of life.

What If Body Dysmorphia Occurs Alongside an Eating Disorder?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder and eating disorders can sometimes occur together, making a comprehensive evaluation especially important. When this happens, treatment should address both conditions simultaneously.

At Monte Nido, care is individualized to each person's needs and may include medical monitoring, nutrition rehabilitation, evidence-based psychotherapy, psychiatric support when appropriate, and treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions. Addressing body image concerns alongside eating disorder recovery helps individuals build healthier relationships with food, their body, and themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is body dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphia, or Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition characterized by persistent distress about one or more perceived flaws in appearance. These concerns are often not noticeable or appear minor to others but can significantly affect daily life.

How do I know if I have body dysmorphia?

Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose BDD. If appearance-related thoughts are persistent, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, relationships, or daily activities, it may be helpful to seek a professional evaluation.

Can body dysmorphia go away on its own?

Some people experience periods when symptoms become less intense, but BDD often benefits from professional treatment. Therapy, support, and, in some cases, medication can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Is body dysmorphia the same as an eating disorder?

No. Body Dysmorphic Disorder and eating disorders are different diagnoses. While both may involve body image concerns and sometimes occur together, eating disorders primarily involve disturbances in eating behaviors, whereas BDD centers on distress about perceived appearance flaws.

Can body dysmorphia be treated?

Yes. Many people benefit from evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, medication when appropriate, and ongoing support from mental health professionals and loved ones.

You Don't Have to Navigate Body Image Struggles Alone

Living with persistent appearance-related concerns can feel isolating, but you do not have to face them alone. Whether your symptoms are related to Body Dysmorphic Disorder, an eating disorder, or another body image concern, compassionate, evidence-based support is available.

Recovery is not about achieving a "perfect" appearance. It is about reducing distress, building healthier coping skills, and developing a more balanced relationship with yourself.

If concerns about your appearance are affecting your daily life, reaching out to a qualified mental health professional is an important first step. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to improve your relationship with your body, strengthen your emotional well-being, and move toward a life that is guided by your values rather than appearance.

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