Gastroparesis in Anorexia

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Last updated on February 27th, 2024 at 10:50 pm

Gastroparesis in anorexia is an unfortunate but all too common symptom of the condition.  Gastroparesis is the delayed emptying of food from the stomach to the small intestine. 

You might be experiencing gastroparesis as a symptom of an eating disorder if: 

  • You’re regularly restricting foods
  • You don’t allow yourself access to all food groups
  • Your food intake doesn’t match the needs of your exercise routine
  • You’re taking diet pills or laxatives 
  • You’re frequently vomiting 
  • You’re restricting insulin (in type 1 diabetes)

The common behaviors associated with anorexia can leave your digestive tract confused about what to do to keep you properly nourished. 

This article explores some of the reasons why anorexia can trigger gastroparesis, the symptoms of gastroparesis, and ways to cope with gastroparesis with an eating disorder. 

Can Gastroparesis Be Caused By Anorexia

Gastroparesis can have many causes, one of which is a person having symptoms of an eating disorder. 

Gastroparesis may be triggered by anorexia because of: 

More severe and potentially life-threatening causes of gastroparesis in anorexia include: 

The exact causes of gastroparesis as a result of an eating disorder are not fully understood. It’s important to know that some gastroparesis will require medical intervention.

infographic of causes of gastroparesis in anorexia

Causes of Non-Eating Disorder Related Gastroparesis 

Other conditions that might cause gastroparesis or heighten the symptoms of gastroparesis in anorexia include: 

  • Diabetes 
  • Neurological disorders
  • Bariatric surgery 
  • Surgeries on the GI tract
  • Certain medications (some antidepressants, narcotics)
  • Autoimmune disorders (such as lupus, celiac disease)

Symptoms of Gastroparesis in Anorexia 

green infographic on delayed digestion in ed recovery

You might be experiencing delayed gastric emptying if:

  • You feel full very quickly
  • You’re having difficulty passing stools 
  • Stools are infrequent (not daily)
  • Stools are small and hard
  • You are experiencing a lot of bloating
  • Nausea is frequent 
  • Night Sweats
  • Vomiting on occasion or frequently 
  • You’re having mild or severe stomach pain 
  • You have irritable bowel syndrome

Some less common but dangerous symptoms of gastroparesis include superior mesenteric artery syndrome or necrotizing colitis. If you suspect either of these conditions, consult your doctor right away. 

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Diagnosing Gastroparesis

While an official gastroparesis diagnosis is not always necessary during eating disorder recovery, there are a few tests that are often used to officially diagnose the condition.

These tests include:

  • Breath tests
  • Upper GI endoscopy
  • Ultrasound

These tests may become necessary if symptoms are severe and/or do not improve as normal eating progresses in recovery.

Do People With Gastroparesis Feel Hungry

People with gastroparesis will typically experience fullness very quickly into a meal or snack.  Many people with eating disorders do not experience normal hunger and fullness cues

People recovering from anorexia will require a mechanical eating plan created by a registered dietitian to ensure they are meeting their nutrition needs. 

Reasons that a person with gastroparesis doesn’t feel hungry include: 

  • The gut-brain connection has been disrupted
  • Metabolism slows down
  • They have stopped purging and are experiencing the fullness
  • The body is pushing food through the body at a delayed rate 
  • Hunger and fullness hormones are altered
PDF guide

Treatment For Gastroparesis in Anorexia 

Treating gastroparesis in anorexia will ultimately come down to treating the eating disorder.  This will often involve a healthcare team that includes a therapist, a medical doctor, and an eating disorder dietitian

Gastroparesis symptoms will ultimately not resolve unless with active eating disorder behaviors are on board.  

Most people will need to fully weight restore and potentially overshoot weight restore before gastroparesis symptoms resolve. 

Medical and nonmedical remedies that help alleviate gastroparesis symptoms in recovery include: 

  • Anti-emetics medications (prochlorperazine, diphenhydramine)
  • Metoclopramide (the only FDA-approved drug for gastroparesis for short durations)

Treating an underlying eating disorder associated with gastroparesis will include: 

  • An eating disorder meal plan 
  • Potential restrictions on movement
  • Cessation of laxatives and diet pill use 
  • An outpatient healthcare team or residential eating disorder treatment 
infographic of coping with gastroparesis

Coping With Gastroparesis In Eating Disorder Recovery

Coping with gastroparesis during eating disorder recovery can be difficult both mentally and physically.  Gastroparesis is a very common part of the recovery journey from an eating disorder. Gastroparesis may be exacerbated in very rapid, all in methods of recovery.

To help with the symptoms of gastroparesis in eating disorder recovery try: 

  • Liquid calories will be easier than solid calories 
  • Eating smaller meals more frequently 
  • Using a hot compress or heating pad for pain in the belly 
  • Having a bathroom ritual (sitting on the toilet at a certain time of day with no expectations)
  • Using a squatty potty to help with proper form when having a bowel movement
  • Sip on hot herbal tea
  • Relax before and during mealtime 
  • Distract yourself if meals and snacks cause anxiety with movies or games
  • Ask family or friends to provide meal support for you
 
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Shena Jaramillo. Registered Dietitian
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