The Risks of Fasting With An Eating Disorder

• Eating Disorders and Other Psychiatric Conditions“Eating Disorders” cover a broad spectrum of psychological disorders characterized by an abnormal relationship to both food as well as ones own perception of their body. These conditions are readily treatable and amenable to a variety of treatment methods.

If left untreated, such individuals are at risk of malnutrition, and even starvation and death. Disruptions in ovulation are normal for women with eating disorders as is osteoporosis. Individuals under treatment for an eating disorder are not necessarily inappropriate candidates for a fasting experience but must discuss their interest with their health care provider to prevent worsening symptoms so that they can first establish a healthy nutritional schedule and exercise regimen.

Fasting also has the ability to alter a person’s mood and self perception to the extent that pre-existing psychiatric conditions may be prone to worsening symptoms. Fasting also alters the absorption of certain psychiatric medications. For all of these reasons, unless strictly supervised, these issues make fasting an extremely risky practice.

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