Eating disorders

People with anorexia nervosa (AN) often have low bone strength and a higher chance of breaking a bone. AN often occurs during adolescence, which is an important time for building bone strength. If bones do not strengthen properly during this time, the chance of broken bones later in life may be higher.

Anorexia nervosa can cause your periods to become irregular or stop completely. This leads to lower levels of oestrogen and lower bone density.

Anorexia nervosa is a complex condition, and management will be different for everyone. But the best way to improve bone health in people with anorexia is to regain weight and, in people who can have periods, return to regular periods. Other lifestyle changes can also help.

Some people with AN also exercise too much. This can also harm your bones. If you are recovering from AN, talk to your healthcare team about the right amount and type of exercise for you.

It is likely that other eating disorders, such as bulimia, may also affect bone health. But this has not been studied as much.

Read Corinne's story about anorexia and osteoporosis.

You can find out more about eating disorders from the eating disorder charity Beat (www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk).