While COVID-19 has faded from headlines, its ripple effects are far from over — especially for young people. One of the most complex and underrecognized intersections? The relationship between Long COVID and eating disorders.

Both conditions can affect the body, brain, and daily functioning in profound ways. And in some cases, they appear side by side — complicating diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

For kids and teens with restrictive eating disorders (like anorexia nervosa, ARFID, or OSFED), restoring weight is often a life-saving step. Medical complications like bradycardia, hypotension, loss of menses, or growth delays can emerge quickly when the body doesn’t get enough energy to grow.