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Fasting and intermittent fasting (IF) are popular methods of energy consumption that limit eating to specific times of the day or certain days of the week. With the focus being mainly on food restriction, people may wonder how fasting is different from anorexia nervosa (AN) and ask if fasting causes anorexia nervosa.
Fasting and anorexia are quite different, but their qualities may overlap to create confusion. Anorexia nervosa is an officially recognized mental health disorder, and fasting or intermittent fasting is a method of consuming energy.1,2
Anorexia nervosa is a psychological condition marked by the severe restriction of calories, flawed body perceptions, and an intense fear of gaining or not losing weight. People with AN will go to unhealthy lengths to try and reduce their weight while only eating small amounts of low-calorie foods.2
Over time, anorexia nervosa can result in many unwanted outcomes like:2
Anorexia nervosa, like other eating disorders, may also result in serious medical complications. People can damage their heart, kidneys, and other organs by restricting their food intake.2
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Intermittent fasting is a planned method of eating that focuses on eating during specific windows of time. During the fast, a person will consume no food and only low-calorie beverages, like water, coffee, and tea.
Some common forms of IF include:3
Fasting has become popular due to the perception of positive outcomes. But it’s important to note that fasting may be helpful for some, but that does not make it appropriate for everyone. (5) People may engage in fasting to:1,3
Even though these health benefits may be possible, fasting and intermittent fasting may also create some risks. Anyone interested in exploring fasting, whether for weight loss or other benefits, should consult their medical team to make an informed decision.
Restrictive diets are considered eating disorders when the intensity, frequency, or duration of the diet becomes problematic. When a person displays additional concerns linked to anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, it could signal an issue.
A restrictive diet may lead to disordered eating behaviors when:2
Restrictive diets and disordered eating share a two-way relationship. Following a restrictive diet, like IF, can lead to someone developing an eating disorder, and people with eating disorders may point to restrictive diets to justify or normalize their unhealthy habits.4,5
A 2022 study found a significant link between IF and eating disorders. People who used IF were likelier to display thoughts and behaviors associated with eating disorders.4
Disclaimer about "overeating": Within Health hesitatingly uses the word "overeating" because it is the term currently associated with this condition in society, however, we believe it inherently overlooks the various psychological aspects of this condition which are often interconnected with internalized diet culture, and a restrictive mindset about food. For the remainder of this piece, we will therefore be putting "overeating" in quotations to recognize that the diagnosis itself pathologizes behavior that is potentially hardwired and adaptive to a restrictive mindset.
Disclaimer about weight loss drugs: Within does not endorse the use of any weight loss drug or behavior and seeks to provide education on the insidious nature of diet culture. We understand the complex nature of disordered eating and eating disorders and strongly encourage anyone engaging in these behaviors to reach out for help as soon as possible. No statement should be taken as healthcare advice. All healthcare decisions should be made with your individual healthcare provider.
Fasting is the practice of intentionally not consuming calories for a specific amount of time. During this time, they will only drink water or consume low-calorie beverages. People can fast for hours or even days.
Fasting is a purposeful but temporary pattern of eating that usually aims to address a physical health concern. Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition where a person’s flawed self-perspective fuels a fear of food and gaining weight. However, they are not mutually exclusive, as people with anorexia may practice fasting.
By itself, intermittent fasting is not an eating disorder. It may lead to an eating disorder, and people with an established eating disorder may practice IF to conceal the extent of their condition.
