The Dangerous Relationship Between Eating Disorders and Malnutrition

Thrive • October 8, 2021

Malnutrition is characterized by deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of nutrients, which are essential for the body to function properly. Eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder (BED) can disrupt the body’s nutrient balance, resulting in a lack of energy for the body to carry out vital processes. 

Malnutrition can have serious and even deadly health consequences, especially when brought on by eating disorders. Investigators found that mortality rates were 4 percent for anorexia nervosa, 3.9 percent for bulimia nervosa, and 5.2 percent for unspecified eating disorders. Though these statistics don’t take into account eating disorder deaths related to malnutrition, they underscore the perilous nature of eating disorders and their potentially deadly effects.

THIRTEEN HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF EATING DISORDERS RELATED TO MALNUTRITION

Many of the health consequences related to eating disorders are due in large part to malnutrition, which can be caused by limited caloric intake, purging, as well as excessive caloric intake. 

Explore the consequences of malnutrition brought on by eating disorders below:

  1. Heart failure — Can result when the body breaks down the heart in an attempt to use its own muscle tissue for fuel; also can be caused by a decrease in electrolytes which help the heart beat.
  2. Slowed digestion — Caused by the interference with the normal emptying of the stomach following eating. Associated issues of slowed digestion can include:
    • Stomach pain and bloating
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Blood sugar fluctuations
    • Blocked intestines
    • Bacterial infections
    • Feeling full after eating only small amounts
  3. Constipation — Due to the weakening of the muscles of the intestines that leaves them without the strength to move food out of the body.
  4. Pancreatitis — An inflammation of the pancreas that can cause symptoms of pain, nausea, and vomiting.
  5. Decreased brain functioning — The brain relies on one-fifth of the body’s calories to function. Without the necessary energy, the depleted brain can cause sleep issues, seizures, and fainting.
  6. Decreased hormone levels — A lack of fat in one’s diet can result in diminished levels of estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones, causing irregular menstruation and bone loss.
  7. Decreased metabolic functioning — Can affect the body’s ability to stay warm, leading to hypothermia.
  8. High cholesterol levels — Malnutrition can affect the liver’s ability to metabolize cholesterol. High cholesterol can also result from abnormal hormone levels brought on by anorexia. 
  9. Dry skin, brittle hair, and hair loss — Due to a lack of fat and nutrients in one’s diet.
  10. Growth of lanugo — A kind of hair grown by the body to help it stay warm when facing starvation.
  11. Kidney failure — Can result from severe dehydration.
  12. Decrease of certain blood cells — Which can threaten the body’s ability to fight infections.
  13. Anemia — Caused by diminished iron in one’s diet which can result in fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

NOURISH YOUR BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT

We believe that eating disorders should be treated holistically by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. At Thrive, clients receive both mental and medical care provided by psychiatrists, therapists, primary care physicians, nutritionists, and mindful movement specialists. Through holistic treatment that emphasizes the healing of the whole person, clients are empowered to enrich their bodies with life-giving nutrients, enhance their mental-emotional health with powerful coping practices, and refresh their spirit through joy-inducing self-care habits. Reach out to us to learn more about our eating disorder treatment programs in Reno, Waco, and Sacramento.

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December 2, 2025
Like the fir tree, a symbol of endurance rooted in hope, our Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR) approach reflects the strength that grows when families face challenges together. At our new residential center “The Greenhouse”, FIR is more than a treatment model, it’s a philosophy of healing that places families at the heart of recovery for adolescents and young adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We believe lasting healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built with the support of families through perseverance, hope, and compassionate care. What Is Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR)? Family Intensive Recovery (FIR) is a specialized and immersive approach that actively engages caregivers as central agents in their child’s healing process. Rather than seeing families as contributors to a problem, we view them as essential partners in recovery. Drawing from two evidence-based frameworks, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), FIR helps families cultivate resilience, confidence, and connection throughout the journey to recovery. Grounded in SPACE and FBT Through the SPACE model, parents learn how to recognize and reduce well-intentioned but unhelpful behaviors known as accommodations that can reinforce anxiety and OCD symptoms. By shifting from rescuing to supporting and challenging, parents develop the confidence to guide their child through discomfort, helping them build distress tolerance and self-trust. Simultaneously, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) empowers families to take an active, compassionate role in their child’s nutritional and emotional recovery. Parents learn how to support weight and nutritional restoration, disrupt the eating disorder’s patterns, and reestablish boundaries that promote health and growing autonomy. Together, these approaches strengthen both the individual and family system, allowing recovery to take root within an environment of empathy and optimism. From Blame to Collaboration A cornerstone of the FIR model is removing blame. At Thrive, parents are not viewed as the cause of their child’s struggles, but rather as key partners in recovery. Treatment focuses on joining forces to create a safe, supportive environment where: Families learn to sit with their child's discomfort alongside them without rushing to fix or control it. Parents practice compassionate firmness, setting boundaries grounded in care and safety. Teens and caregivers rebuild trust through open, honest communication. This collaborative framework helps families reestablish a sense of connection and confidence, fostering long-term resilience and open communication that extends beyond the treatment setting. Why Family Matters in Recovery Recovery from eating disorders, OCD, or anxiety isn’t a one-person job, it requires integrated care including the family. When families learn to navigate challenges together, they can model emotional regulation, reinforce healthy boundaries, and create conditions for sustained recovery. Through FIR, we aim to strengthen attachment bonds, reshape family interactions, and empower every member of the family to grow. The result is not only symptom reduction but also a deeper sense of unity, hope, and shared endurance, just like the steadfast fir tree that stands resilient through every season. Moving Toward Hope Family Inclusive Recovery invites caregivers and loved ones to become active participants in change. It’s a journey of learning, letting go, and leaning into love and acceptance. Together, families and clinicians can cultivate the courage in clients to face uncertainty, and in doing so, help them discover that recovery is not just possible, but enduring. If you’d like to learn more about Family Intensive Recovery at The Greenhouse or how we support families in eating disorder and OCD treatment, reach out to our team today.
November 14, 2025
The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again. 
November 11, 2025
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift!  Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
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