Description

Assessing the Physical Impact of Disordered Eating

Eating disorders are complex mental and physical health conditions that require a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and care. This panel is designed to evaluate key biomarkers that help identify the physiological impact of eating disorders and assist providers in determining the appropriate level of care.

Types of eating disorders include:

  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Bulimia Nervosa
  • Binge Eating Disorder
  • Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
  • Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
  • Pica
  • Rumination Disorder

This Panel Includes:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
  • LH/FSH (Luteinizing Hormone & Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Prolactin
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Fasting is not required for this panel.

What These Tests Can Reveal

Complete Blood Count (CBC):

Evaluates red and white blood cells and platelets.

  • May reveal anemia, immune suppression, or nutritional deficiencies common in restrictive eating disorders.
  • Low white blood cell counts can be a sign of malnutrition or physical stress on the body.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP):

Assesses liver and kidney function, electrolytes, and glucose levels.

  • Identifies dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and organ dysfunction that can result from purging, restriction, or binge eating behaviors.

LH & FSH (Reproductive Hormones):

Evaluate hormone levels that regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive health.

  • Often used to detect hormonal suppression due to malnutrition, particularly in females with amenorrhea (missed periods).

Magnesium & Phosphorus:

Important minerals often depleted in eating disorders, especially with purging behaviors.

  • Low magnesium can contribute to muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Low phosphorus may indicate refeeding syndrome risk in severely undernourished individuals.

Prolactin:

A hormone that can become imbalanced due to stress, poor nutrition, or hypothalamic dysfunction.

  • Elevated prolactin levels can disrupt menstrual cycles and may be associated with restrictive eating patterns.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH):

Assesses thyroid function, which plays a key role in metabolism and energy.

  • Low TSH may indicate suppressed metabolism, often seen in individuals with anorexia or extreme caloric restriction.
  • High TSH could indicate an underactive thyroid, sometimes associated with binge eating or weight fluctuations.

Who Should Consider This Panel?

  • Individuals experiencing symptoms of disordered eating
  • Adolescents or adults undergoing evaluation for an eating disorder diagnosis
  • Providers assessing a patient’s readiness for inpatient, outpatient, or nutrition-based treatment
  • Anyone with unexplained weight loss, missed periods, chronic fatigue, or electrolyte concerns

Why This Testing Matters

Eating disorders don’t just affect the mind—they deeply impact the body. This blood panel provides a vital snapshot of nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic status to help guide treatment, monitor health risks, and ensure timely medical intervention when needed.