Content Warning: This blog discusses topics related to eating disorders, including visible changes to bodies and behaviors such as body checking. If you find these subjects triggering, please take care of yourself and consider reaching out for support.
Halloween brings out costumes of all kinds—from glamorous celebrities to superheroes to spooky figures like ghosts, witches, and skeletons. For many, it’s a chance to dress up and escape reality. But for those working toward recovery from an eating disorder, Halloween can be challenging, and the symbolism of the skeleton, in particular, stirs up a unique set of emotions.
A Haunting Image
It’s a pervasive stereotype: the idea that someone with an eating disorder must look like a skeleton, visibly frail. This myth is not only inaccurate but harmful. Eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes; they affect people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Most people with eating disorders don’t fit the stereotype at all. By assuming an “image” for what an eating disorder looks like, society risks missing the depth and diversity of these struggles and can leave many sufferers feeling invisible or misunderstood.
And for those who do struggle with body image, Halloween’s fascination with the skeleton can be especially triggering. Bones, usually hidden beneath layers of tissue and muscle, are laid bare, visible to others, and can invite comparison or “body-checking.” In the throes of an eating disorder, some people may find themselves caught between wanting to be seen as “healthy” and wrestling with thoughts that value thinness over well-being.
This overvaluation of thinness is difficult to navigate because, for some, these thoughts feel comfortable and familiar—even if they are harmful.
Bone Health and Eating Disorders
As stark as it sounds, skeletons also remind us of the often-hidden dangers of eating disorders. They are some of the deadliest mental health conditions, claiming lives and leaving lasting impacts on families and communities. Alongside these visible and invisible challenges, eating disorders can also lead to serious, long-term physical consequences—particularly on bone health, with conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Lack of proper nourishment can disrupt bone growth in kids and teens, and malnutrition can accelerate the onset of these conditions in adults. Among the many health risks associated with eating disorders, the impact on bone health is one of the few that is often irreversible.
Bone health is crucial for overall physical well-being, yet it often takes a backseat in discussions about eating disorders. Healthy bones rely on a balance of nutrients, including
- calcium
- vitamin D
- protein
which play essential roles in bone density and growth.
When individuals with eating disorders restrict their food intake, they deprive their bodies of these vital nutrients, impairing the bone-building process. This deficiency can lead to decreased bone mineral density, making bones more fragile and increasing the risk of fractures, especially during critical growth periods in childhood and adolescence.
The implications of compromised bone health extend beyond immediate concerns. Individuals suffering from osteoporosis or osteopenia may experience chronic pain, limitations in physical activity, and a diminished quality of life. These conditions can lead to long-term health complications, including an increased risk of falls and fractures, which can be life-altering.
Moreover, the psychological effects of living with weakened bones can further entrench the cycle of disordered eating, as individuals may feel even more disconnected from their bodies and health.
Rebuilding Bone Health
Rebuilding bone health after an eating disorder requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond mere dietary changes. Engaging in weight-bearing exercises, ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients, and seeking professional guidance can all contribute to strengthening bones. It’s important to recognize that while some damage may be irreversible, proactive steps can still foster improvement and support overall health.
By addressing bone health as part of a holistic recovery journey, individuals can cultivate a deeper understanding of their bodies and reclaim their strength, laying a solid foundation for a healthier future.
As we move through Halloween, it’s also worth reflecting on the living parts of our bodies—beyond bones, shapes, or sizes. Underneath the costumes and face paint, our bodies are complex, resilient, and capable. They support us, nourish us, and hold our joys and memories.
For those facing eating disorder recovery, the most powerful act this season may be one of honoring the body not merely as an image or object, but as a deeply valuable part of who we are. By embracing the journey to strengthen both our bones and our sense of self, we can celebrate our inherent worth and resilience in a world that often fixates on the superficial.
Clinically Reviewed By
Nick Kahm, PhD
Co-Founder
Nick Kahm, a former philosophy faculty member at St. Michael's College in Colchester, VT, transitioned from academia to running the Kahm Clinic with his mother. He started the clinic to train dietitians in using Metabolic Testing and Body Composition Analysis for helping people with eating disorders. Now, he is enthusiastic about expanding eating disorder treatment through the Kahm Center for Eating Disorders in Vermont.
