Medical complications of eating disorders.
Eating disorders are real, complex and destructive conditions that can have serious consequences for an individual’s emotional and physical health, productivity and relationships. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the more likely they are to recover.
Anorexia nervosa complications.
In anorexia nervosa’s cycle of self-starvation, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally. The body is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy, resulting in serious medical consequences:
- Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart failure
- Reduction of bone density (osteoporosis), which results in dry, brittle bones
- Muscle loss and weakness
- Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure
- Fainting, fatigue and overall weakness
- Dry hair and skin, and hair loss
- Growth of a downy layer of hair called “lanugo,” which is the body’s effort to keep itself warm
Bulimia nervosa complications.
The recurrent binge-and-purge cycles of bulimia can affect the entire digestive system. They can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that affect the heart and other major organ functions. Some of the health consequences of bulimia nervosa include:
- Electrolyte imbalances caused by dehydration and loss of potassium, sodium and chloride from body due to purging. This can lead to irregular heartbeats, and possible heart failure and death.
- Potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing
- Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting
- Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting
- Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse
- Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis
Binge eating disorder complications.
Binge eating disorder often results in many of the same health risks associated with clinical obesity. Some of the potential health consequences of binge eating disorder include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels
- Type II diabetes mellitus
- Gall bladder disease
