How chronic health conditions contribute to eating disorders

Chronic health conditions include things like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. They’re relatively common in the U.S., with 60% of Americans having at least one chronic disease and 40% having two or more. And while many chronic diseases can’t be cured, they can often be effectively managed with the right resources and support. 

Managing a chronic health condition may involve medication, dietary restrictions, and other lifestyle changes that may affect people’s relationship with food and their bodies. For some people, these changes can contribute to an eating disorder or disordered eating behaviors. 

Fortunately, working with a therapist can help people treat their eating disorder and manage mental and emotional symptoms associated with their chronic condition. 

How are chronic conditions linked to diet and fitness?

The relationship between chronic disease, diet, and fitness is well documented. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep have been shown to delay and prevent the development of chronic disease. And if you have a chronic disease, these healthy lifestyle habits can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

That said, the relationship can be twofold. Poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to chronic conditions, but they can also be the result of them. For example, symptoms of chronic conditions may limit a person’s ability to engage in regular exercise or have the energy to prepare home-cooked, balanced meals. 

In some cases, people may also resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, like compulsive exercise or prolonged periods of inactivity — sometimes referred to as bed rotting. They may use these strategies to manage the stress and challenges associated with their condition. Working with a healthcare provider can help address these behaviors and develop healthier coping strategies.  

How can a chronic health condition lead to an eating disorder?

Having a chronic health condition can affect many aspects of your life, including your body image and eating behaviors. In some cases, chronic health conditions that require dietary management — like Type 1 diabetes or celiac disease — may increase the risk of developing disordered eating behaviors. 

Research suggests that young people with these conditions are more likely to experience such challenges compared to their peers. Recognizing and addressing these risks early is essential for promoting both physical and mental health.

Chronic illness may contribute to eating disorders or disordered eating due to:

Body image concerns

Having a chronic illness can affect your body in ways that may lead to challenging feelings, like shame, frustration, and disappointment. For example, a cancer diagnosis may require medication that causes weight gain or hinders your ability to exercise, which can negatively impact body image. 

Weight loss efforts 

Research shows that teens with chronic conditions may be more likely to engage in unhealthy approaches to managing weight, like extreme exercise, self-induced vomiting, obsessive calorie counting, and using laxatives. These behaviors may stem from societal pressures, emotional distress, or attempts to manage their condition.

Relationship with food

Chronic health conditions can also affect the way teens think about food. Youth with chronic health conditions may be predisposed to avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). ARFID is an eating disorder characterized by food avoidance due to anxiety about eating, fear of adverse physical reactions, or other food-related concerns.

The importance of healthy habits when living with a chronic illness

Most chronic diseases are caused by risk factors that are in our control, like diet, exercise, and substance use. If you’ve already been diagnosed with a chronic disease, understanding those risk factors may help you better cope with symptoms and improve your overall well-being. 

Additionally, here are five healthy habits to help you manage life with a chronic health condition.

1. Practice self-care. Self-care activities — like spending time in nature or listening to feel-good music — can improve both your mental and physical well-being.
2. Build a support network. Surround yourself with people who understand what you’re going through. Whether it’s trusted family or others diagnosed with the same condition, social support can make your experience feel more manageable. 
3. Embrace self-compassion. Self-compassion is an important skill for managing distressing situations and emotions. It allows you to be kinder toward yourself — especially when you’re struggling with feelings of shame or hopelessness. 
4. Focus on balanced eating. If a chronic condition is affecting your eating habits or body image, consider working with a registered dietician. This is a chance to learn about mindful eating, balanced meals, and recognizing hunger and fullness cues. 
5. Set realistic goals. A chronic health condition can affect certain parts of your life, like your energy levels and physical capabilities. Setting realistic expectations about diet and exercise can prevent you from overexerting yourself. 

Eating disorder recovery alongside chronic illness

Having an unmanaged chronic disease, eating disorder, or both can have serious consequences for your mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, recovery from an eating disorder is possible with a willingness and commitment to change. 

Meeting with a qualified mental health professional is one of the first steps in the healing process. This is an opportunity for your provider to understand your symptoms, what’s causing them, and how to help you develop healthier habits and coping mechanisms. This may also help you uncover issues that may be contributing to your chronic illness. For example, people with eating disorders may be more likely to have a substance use disorder than the general population. 

Receiving an eating disorder diagnosis is especially important for people living with conditions that cause chronic pain. Some research has found that eating disorders often go undetected for longer periods among youth with long-term pain, which can negatively impact their recovery. 

The exact treatment approach may vary by person, but some of the most effective types of therapy for someone with an eating disorder and chronic illness include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Find care with Rula

Unmanaged eating disorders can harm your health and well-being — especially when you’re also living with a chronic condition. The good news is that therapy can help treat your eating disorder and manage the mental and emotional symptoms of your chronic condition. 

At Rula, we believe that everyone deserves timely access to affordable mental healthcare. With our extensive network of over 10,000 providers, you can find a therapist who takes your insurance, understands your specific needs, and is available to meet as soon as tomorrow.

Find a therapist with Rula