# Is Eugenia Cooney at a healthy weight now?

Lily Armstrong · August 4, 2026

> Eugenia Cooney stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), which is a common height amongst young women, yet what is concerning is her weight, which has...

Eugenia Cooney stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), which is a common height amongst young women, yet what is concerning is her weight, which has fluctuated dramatically due to her struggles with an eating disorder.

Cooney's reported weight has been around 79 pounds (36 kg), which is significantly below the healthy weight range for her height.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) for her stature as being between approximately 118 to 159 pounds.

The weight of about 79 pounds provides a BMI of around 12.4, categorizing her as severely underweight.

A healthy BMI is typically between 18.5 to 24.9, indicating the potential health risks associated with her current weight.

Anorexia nervosa, which Cooney has struggled with, often leads to serious health issues, including cardiac complications and weakened bones, as the body starts to consume its own tissues for energy.

In 2019, Cooney made headlines for entering a rehab facility to address her eating disorder.

Interventions like this can sometimes lead to improvements in an individual's physical health as they learn healthier eating habits and coping mechanisms.

There is evidence to suggest that eating disorders may have a strong genetic component, with several studies indicating a heritable risk of developing conditions like anorexia in individuals with a family history of eating disorders.

A recent update from 2023 shows Cooney has gained weight after her time in rehab and reportedly can now engage in activities like running and dancing, signifying improvements in both her physical and mental health.

Recovery from eating disorders is complex and often involves multidisciplinary treatment, including psychotherapy, medical care, and nutritional counseling to rebuild a healthy relationship with food.

The brain's chemistry can be significantly altered in people with eating disorders, affecting mood and cognitive function, which underscores the importance of professional treatment during recovery.

Cooney's candidness about her health struggles has provided a platform for discussions around mental health and eating disorders, further highlighting the importance of seeking help and the impact of social media on body image.

The body can experience a refeeding syndrome if individuals with severe malnutrition suddenly increase caloric intake, which can lead to potentially fatal electrolyte imbalances.

Professional supervision during recovery is crucial to avoid this.

Long-term effects of eating disorders can include osteoporosis and infertility.

Research indicates persistent underweight status can lead to irreversible damage to bone density, especially if not addressed early.

The emotional toll of anorexia can also involve increased anxiety and depression, which may take longer to heal than the physical aspects of eating disorders.

Health professionals often use a treatment modality called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which has shown effectiveness in treating eating disorders by addressing distorted thinking patterns around food, weight, and self-image.

Nutritional rehabilitation, which occurs during recovery, is not merely about gaining weight but also involves learning how to nourish the body properly, which can involve education on food groups and macronutrients.

The social environment, including relationships and cultural pressures, can influence the development and maintenance of eating disorders, emphasizing the need for supportive networks during recovery.

Emerging digital therapies and online support groups provide new avenues for recovery, which is beneficial especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic where in-person therapy options were limited.

It's essential to recognize that weight is not the only measure of health; psychological well-being, nutritional habits, and overall physical fitness are equally important components of recovery.

Research on the effectiveness of social media platforms shows a mixed response; while they can offer support, they may also perpetuate unrealistic body ideals that could trigger or worsen eating disorders for some individuals.

Understanding how eating disorders like anorexia interfere with brain function is crucial.

They can disrupt neurotransmitters related to mood regulation, reinforcing a cycle of negative emotions and restrictive eating behaviors.

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