Here’s how it commonly happens:

Why rape trauma can cause weight loss

• Shock & survival mode: After sexual trauma, the body often stays in “fight-or-flight.” Stress hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline) can suppress appetite and speed metabolism.
• Loss of appetite / nausea: Many survivors feel physically sick, numb, or disconnected from hunger cues.
• Control & safety: For some, eating less is an unconscious way to regain control when control was taken away.
• Depression & dissociation: Trauma-related depression can reduce motivation to eat or care for the body.
• Anxiety & hypervigilance: Constant tension can burn energy and make meals feel impossible.
• Sleep disruption: Poor sleep affects hunger hormones, often leading to reduced intake.

Important truth
👉 This is not vanity. It’s not an eating disorder by default. It’s a nervous system injury.
Your body is responding to danger that already happened but still feels present.

Common signs trauma-related weight loss may include

• Forgetting to eat
• Food tasting “bland” or unappealing
• Feeling full quickly
• Weight dropping without trying
• Feeling disconnected from your body