Mental health/Physical health headcanons!
Content warnings for: Disordered eating, gender dysphoria
On the longterm effects of ano''rexia nerv''osa on Xavier's health and wellness. Xavier has been in recovery from his ED for nearly 8 years, but most of his formative years were spent engaging in disordered eating. This has had lasting effects on his health.
Physically. Xavier's bones never developed to their intended mass and strength and he's been informed that he is at high risk for developing early-onset osteoporosis. He eats a lot of protein and takes a vitamin D supplement to maintain his bone density. He gets regular bone-density tests.
He has a weakened heart. He has recurrent arrhythmias, though they have lessened in frequency in the last few years of being in remission. He used to get bouts of increased heart rate and dizziness frequently. He goes for regular check-ups with a cardiologist.
Mentally. While Xavier has been in recover for 8 years and has a relatively healthy relationship with food, the thoughts still creep in. As someone that also lives with OCD, many of his obsessions involve worrying that he'll gain weight and feminine curves after eating. It's always been about the fear of developing feminine features. The wide hips, breasts, etc.
However, the compulsion is no longer to avoid eating and is instead to internally belittle himself. He eats the trigger food, but he feels bad about it afterwards. Often times, you will catch him whispering to himself something like, "It's okay to eat this. This food will nourish my body," if you're sharing a meal with him. It's a coping skill, it helps make more rational thoughts and decisions.
He's very private about his ED, despite his behaviors being suggestive of otherwise at times. It's a sore spot for him that he's ashamed of. It is not something he will deny if someone asks him about his odd behaviors about food, though.