How Calorie-Restrictive Eating Disorders Can Lead to an Underactive Thyroid

Thrive • January 2, 2022

By Thrive Reno’s Director of Primary Care Services Becky Barnett, PA-C

The Vital Role of the Thyroid in Your Health

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, located at the base of the throat, plays a crucial role in the body's endocrine system. Though small, this gland is responsible for regulating vital body functions by releasing hormones that impact nearly every cell, organ, and function within the body. The thyroid’s hormones are especially critical in managing metabolism, growth, and development, making it a powerhouse despite its size.

The Impact of Malnutrition on Thyroid Function

When a person experiences a calorie-restrictive eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, the body's response is to slow down thyroid function. This is a survival mechanism; the thyroid reduces the production and secretion of hormones to conserve energy in response to the lack of nourishment. However, this adaptive response can lead to significant health issues. Severe starvation can cause the thyroid gland to atrophy, or shrink, further weakening its function.

Recognizing the Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid

Hypothyroidism, or low levels of thyroid hormones, can have wide-reaching effects on the body, particularly on metabolic processes. Below are some of the critical symptoms to be aware of:


Slowed Heart Rate: The lack of thyroid hormones can weaken the heart's ability to pump effectively, leading to a slower heart rate.


Elevated Cholesterol Levels: With a sluggish thyroid, the liver processes blood more slowly, potentially causing cholesterol to accumulate in the arteries.

 

Decreased Metabolic Rate: Low thyroid hormone levels can reduce the body's ability to convert food and drink into energy.

 

Lower Body Temperature: A slowed metabolism may result in a drop in core body temperature, often causing an individual to feel constantly cold.

 

Digestive Issues: Reduced metabolism can lead to constipation and other digestive problems.

 

Muscle Pain and Weakness: Insufficient thyroid hormones can cause muscles to feel weak, achy, and prone to cramping.

 

Cognitive Impairments: Hypothyroidism can manifest as "brain fog," characterized by forgetfulness, confusion, delayed reaction times, and difficulty concentrating.

 

Mood and Mental Health Symptoms: The overlap between hypothyroidism and depression symptoms is significant, with fatigue, social withdrawal, apathy, anxiety, and irritability being common in both conditions.

 

Given the overlap between the symptoms of hypothyroidism and eating disorders, it’s essential to have blood tests done to accurately diagnose low thyroid hormone levels.

Restoring Thyroid Health Through Recovery

The good news is that individuals in recovery from eating disorders can often restore healthy thyroid function. By gradually increasing caloric intake and working towards restoring a healthy body weight, the thyroid typically begins to normalize, as do many other bodily functions.

Thrive’s Comprehensive Eating Disorder Treatment

At Thrive, we understand the complex relationship between physical health and mental well-being. Our integrated approach to eating disorder treatment addresses the full spectrum of health—physical, mental, and emotional. Our expert-led team is here to help you on your recovery journey. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can support you in healing and reclaiming your life.

About the Author

Becky Barnett, PA-C — Thrive Reno Director of Primary Care Services

Becky Barnett, PA-C, has worked as a Physician Assistant for over 25 years with a primary focus on women’s health. She earned a bachelor’s degree from U.C. Riverside in 1991, and graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (now Western University of Health Sciences) as a Physician Assistant in 1995. She has worked in various venues including community health centers, residential mental health facilities, large HMO settings and private practices as she moved throughout California and then into Nevada in 2001. She is proud to represent the medical team of Thrive Wellness of Reno, and is thrilled to be a part of such an authentic and passionate group.

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December 2, 2025
Like the fir tree, a symbol of endurance rooted in hope, our Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR) approach reflects the strength that grows when families face challenges together. At our new residential center “The Greenhouse”, FIR is more than a treatment model, it’s a philosophy of healing that places families at the heart of recovery for adolescents and young adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We believe lasting healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built with the support of families through perseverance, hope, and compassionate care. What Is Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR)? Family Intensive Recovery (FIR) is a specialized and immersive approach that actively engages caregivers as central agents in their child’s healing process. Rather than seeing families as contributors to a problem, we view them as essential partners in recovery. Drawing from two evidence-based frameworks, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), FIR helps families cultivate resilience, confidence, and connection throughout the journey to recovery. Grounded in SPACE and FBT Through the SPACE model, parents learn how to recognize and reduce well-intentioned but unhelpful behaviors known as accommodations that can reinforce anxiety and OCD symptoms. By shifting from rescuing to supporting and challenging, parents develop the confidence to guide their child through discomfort, helping them build distress tolerance and self-trust. Simultaneously, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) empowers families to take an active, compassionate role in their child’s nutritional and emotional recovery. Parents learn how to support weight and nutritional restoration, disrupt the eating disorder’s patterns, and reestablish boundaries that promote health and growing autonomy. Together, these approaches strengthen both the individual and family system, allowing recovery to take root within an environment of empathy and optimism. From Blame to Collaboration A cornerstone of the FIR model is removing blame. At Thrive, parents are not viewed as the cause of their child’s struggles, but rather as key partners in recovery. Treatment focuses on joining forces to create a safe, supportive environment where: Families learn to sit with their child's discomfort alongside them without rushing to fix or control it. Parents practice compassionate firmness, setting boundaries grounded in care and safety. Teens and caregivers rebuild trust through open, honest communication. This collaborative framework helps families reestablish a sense of connection and confidence, fostering long-term resilience and open communication that extends beyond the treatment setting. Why Family Matters in Recovery Recovery from eating disorders, OCD, or anxiety isn’t a one-person job, it requires integrated care including the family. When families learn to navigate challenges together, they can model emotional regulation, reinforce healthy boundaries, and create conditions for sustained recovery. Through FIR, we aim to strengthen attachment bonds, reshape family interactions, and empower every member of the family to grow. The result is not only symptom reduction but also a deeper sense of unity, hope, and shared endurance, just like the steadfast fir tree that stands resilient through every season. Moving Toward Hope Family Inclusive Recovery invites caregivers and loved ones to become active participants in change. It’s a journey of learning, letting go, and leaning into love and acceptance. Together, families and clinicians can cultivate the courage in clients to face uncertainty, and in doing so, help them discover that recovery is not just possible, but enduring. If you’d like to learn more about Family Intensive Recovery at The Greenhouse or how we support families in eating disorder and OCD treatment, reach out to our team today.
November 14, 2025
The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again. 
November 11, 2025
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift!  Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
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