The effects of Restriction
Many features of eating disorders are biologically driven, caused by the effects of trying to restrict food intake. These effects are illustrated in the “Minnesota Starvation Study” which highlighted the physical, psychological & behavioural changes that take place during starvation process.
The Minnesota Study
A group of around 40 men in World War 2 took part in a research trial to see the effects of starvation. These previously healthy men were put on a very low energy diet for many weeks and their physical and psychological health was monitored. The men were noted to become increasingly preoccupied with food, often discussing food, looking at recipes and seeking out magazine articles related to food. Initially they became agitated and found it difficult to rest, though as their weight dropped they became tired, distressed and lacking in motivation. They reported feeling low in mood and irritable. They withdrew from social situations. They became very focussed on their bodies and some became worried about weight gain. Many of them experienced what we now call binges - when they had the opportunity to eat, they lost control and could not stop eating (Keys, 1950)
Many of the behaviours that the men developed in this study are those recognised among people with eating disorders and the clients that I work with. This points to the fact that many features of eating disorders can be directly related to the physiological & biological effects of starvation and hunger.
Addressing restriction & dietary restraint is always something I address, as it allows us to understand which aspects keeping them stuck in the ED are directly due to the effects of malnourishment.
It is important to note that the effects of restriction & malnourishment can happen at any size. Restriction isn’t only a thing if someone “looks” starved or matches up to the stereotypical idea of what someone with an eating disorder looks like.
Eating disorders and malnourishment can affect people in ALL different shapes, sizes, colours, ethnicities & genders.
Symptoms of Restriction
In conventional Eating Disorder Treatment there is an emphasis on reaching a ‘target weight’ or a certain BMI, and whilst this might be necessary in some cases, I prefer to shift the focus from reaching a ‘certain weight’, and instead help clients to use the above list of symptoms as a personal tracker. At the beginning of treatment we highlight all the symptoms that they are currently experiencing and as they move from restriction to nourishment, we continually check in to see which symptoms have improved or completely gone.
Restoring physical weight is just one sign that the body is moving from restriction to nourishment, but it is not the only one. Someone can be within a ‘normal’ BMI weight range and still experience many of the symptoms above, therefore weight alone is not a good indicator of someones health.
If the list of symptoms above match up with your experience, and you are ready to explore how nutrition can support you, then j
ust follow these simple steps:
Meet with me weekly
Begin your journey to freedom