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What’s Happening to My Body and Brain

A teen-friendly guide to understanding physical and psychological effects of eating disorders.

Understanding what the eating disorder does to your body.

What happens when you don't eat enough

Your body goes into starvation mode: • Your brain slows down (hard to think clearly) • Your mood gets worse • Your body temperature drops • Your heart can be affected • Your bones get weaker

Recovery changes this

As you eat more and your body heals: • Thinking gets clearer • Mood improves • Energy returns • You can be yourself again

This resource is for teenagers.

Source: TheTherapies (thetherapies.vercel.app) — Part of Family-Based Treatment for Eating Disorders resources.