National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is an important opportunity to increase awareness of eating disorders as serious medical and mental health conditions that can affect patients across all ages, body sizes, and life stages.
At Virginia Beach OBGYN, we care for the whole patient. That includes reproductive and gynecologic health, as well as the many factors that can affect it — including nutrition, stress, body image, mental health, and disordered eating behaviors.
Eating disorders are not simply “dieting gone too far.” They are complex, clinically significant conditions that may affect cardiovascular health, bone health, menstrual cycles, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, mood, and overall well-being.
Why This Matters in OB/GYN Care
Patients with eating disorders or disordered eating may present in many different ways in an OB/GYN setting, including:
- Irregular or missed periods (amenorrhea/oligomenorrhea)
- Infertility or difficulty ovulating
- Pelvic pain or hormonal symptoms
- Fatigue, dizziness, or weakness
- GI complaints (bloating, constipation, reflux)
- Anxiety, depression, or sleep disruption
- Concerns related to pregnancy nutrition and weight changes
- Distress around being weighed at appointments
Some patients have a diagnosed eating disorder. Others may not identify with that term but may still be struggling with restrictive eating, binge eating, purging behaviors, compulsive exercise, or significant anxiety about food and body changes.
Eating Disorders Can Affect Anyone
Eating disorders can affect:
- Adolescents and adults
- Pregnant and postpartum patients
- Perimenopausal and menopausal patients
- Patients in larger bodies, smaller bodies, and every body type
- Patients of all genders and backgrounds
A person does not need to “look underweight” to be medically compromised or to deserve support.
Clinical Signs and Symptoms That Deserve Attention
Some warning signs that may suggest disordered eating or an eating disorder include:
Physical signs
- Changes in the menstrual cycle or loss of periods
- Fatigue, lightheadedness, fainting, or weakness
- Hair thinning, brittle nails, dry skin
- Feeling cold frequently
- GI symptoms (constipation, bloating, abdominal pain)
- Palpitations or chest discomfort
- Rapid weight changes (up or down), though symptoms can occur without an obvious weight change
Behavioral/emotional signs
- Rigid food rules or increasing restrictions
- Intense fear of weight gain
- Avoidance of meals or social eating
- Binge episodes (feeling out of control with eating)
- Purging behaviors (vomiting, laxatives, diuretics)
- Compulsive or punitive exercise
- Body checking, body dissatisfaction, or severe distress about weight/shape
- Anxiety before appointments due to being weighed
Weight, Scales, and Medical Appointments
For some patients, being weighed can be a routine part of care. For others, it can be highly distressing and may trigger worsening symptoms, avoidance of care, or fear of attending appointments.
It is okay to tell your doctor or nurse if being weighed is difficult for you.
Helpful ways to communicate this include:
- “I have a history of disordered eating, and being weighed can be triggering.”
- “I would prefer a blind weight today (please don’t tell me the number unless medically necessary).”
- “Can we discuss whether my weight is needed for this visit?”
- “Please don’t discuss weight changes unless it affects my treatment today.”
- “I’m working on recovery, and I need a weight-neutral approach when possible.”
What patients should know
There are some visits where weight may be medically relevant (for example, certain medications, anesthesia planning, pregnancy care, or dosing considerations). However, even when weight is needed, your care team can often help reduce distress by using a blind weight approach and discussing the number only when clinically necessary.
If you have concerns, please say so. Your provider cannot always know what feels triggering unless you tell them.
How to Talk to Your OB/GYN If You’re Struggling
Many patients worry they will be judged, dismissed, or embarrassed. You do not need to have the “perfect words” to start the conversation.
You can say something as simple as:
- “I think I may have an unhealthy relationship with food.”
- “I get very anxious about my weight and eating.”
- “I avoid appointments because of the scale.”
- “I’m struggling with binge eating/restricting/purging.”
- “My thoughts about food and body image are taking over.”
- “I’m not sure what this is, but I don’t feel okay around eating.”
That is enough to begin.
Tips for making the conversation easier
- Write it down first. Bring a note on your phone or paper and hand it to your provider if speaking feels hard.
- Mention your biggest concern first. (Example: “I’m skipping meals and getting dizzy,” or “I’m binging and feel out of control.”)
- Ask for next steps. You can say, “Can you help me figure out what kind of support I need?”
- Bring a support person if that helps you feel more comfortable.
- Ask for privacy if you do not want to discuss it in front of others.
What Your OB/GYN Can Do
OB/GYN providers may play an important role in identifying concerns and helping patients access care. Depending on your symptoms and needs, your provider may:
- Review your symptoms and medical history
- Assess menstrual and hormonal effects
- Evaluate for medical complications (as appropriate)
- Discuss nutrition and safety concerns
- Provide a referral to a mental health professional and/or registered dietitian with eating disorder expertise
- Coordinate care with your primary care provider and other specialists
- Support a more trauma-informed or weight-sensitive approach to visits when possible
Treatment is often most effective when it is team-based, combining medical care, mental health support, and nutrition counseling.
Recovery Is Possible
Eating disorders are treatable. Early recognition and intervention can reduce medical complications and improve long-term outcomes.
If you are struggling, please know:
- You are not alone.
- You do not need to “wait until it gets worse.”
- You deserve respectful, evidence-based care.
A Note from Virginia Beach OBGYN
If you are a patient of Virginia Beach OBGYN and are concerned about disordered eating, body image distress, or anxiety related to weight and medical visits, we encourage you to speak with your provider. We want to support your health with compassion.
If you are experiencing severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, dehydration, thoughts of self-harm, or any urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
This blog post is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical or mental health advice.