Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 2/14/2007

Question
Hi, I have an odd question but it’s something that I wonder a lot and can’t seem to find much information about.  For the last year I have been fasting, restricting, taking diet pills, binging, using laxatives, and over- exercising.  Well, I am getting ready to complete my third year in college where as of right now I am majoring in nursing to become a nurse practitioner, but I am now wanting to try to get into Med school (which I know is extremely hard).  So the question I wonder is, does restricting and fasting kill your brain cells?  Right now I have a 4.0 so the last year it hasn’t affected my grades, but then I wonder if it is really killing my brain cells and I just haven’t noticed it yet.  I also like to believe that in my case its different because I will fast or restrict but then eat normal or binge a day or two or three (binge for me means 1800-2200)  so its not like I am restricting or fasting 7 days a week.  Also my weight fluctuates big time so I never stay at a really low weight I will gain 5-10 pounds and then in a week lose it from fasting and this cycle continues over and over again.  So with that being said do you think I am losing brain cells?  This really bothers me and I would like to think that I am not because I can’t seem to stop this cycle I am in, but at the same time I don’t want to kill brain cells and it effect my school and grades.  So since your in the medical field and have went through the same thing I thought maybe you would knew this answer, or know just from your own experience.  Thanks!  

Answer
Any unhealthy eating patterns can wreak havoc on the body in general... including the brain. The brain needs acertani amount of glucose to function properly. You may not see that your eating disorder interferes with your schooling now. But the general pattern of eating disorders is that it start to consume every aspect of your life and you are unable to concentrate on anything else.

For me, I found that in the beginning of my schooling I had the typical perfectionist attitued. Everything had to be done right... I had to get the highest grades on my exams, etc. However, as time went by and my eating disorder became more of a routine in my life, I became more preoccupied with it... always thinking about food... to eat or not to eat... if I did eat where could I find a bathroom at school that I wouldn't be discovered... do people notice how much I am at the gym. I couldn't study without my ED thoughts over powering my ability to concentrate on my studies. I made it through school... but my grades became less important to me and began to fall. I got to the point where I thought I would have to take a medical leave of abcense from school in order to get treatment... or because I was going to be involuntarily admitted. Get help now before things become worse... Good luck!