Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person's emotional and physical health. Please refer to the National Eating Disorders Association Web site for more information.
Health consequences of anorexia
Because anorexia deprives the body of essential calories, vitamins and nutrients that the body needs in order to function properly, the body's normal functions slow down. This can results in:
- Slowed heart rate
- Lower blood pressure
- Possible heart failure
- Loss of bone density
- Muscle weakness and muscle loss
- Dehydration
- Overall feeling of weakness, tiredness and light-headedness/fainting
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Growth of a thin film of hair all over the body called lanugo
Health consequences of bulimia
Because bulimia is a cycle of binging and purging, the body becomes imbalanced which affects the digestive tract, electrolytes and chemicals that can affect the function of major organs. This can results in:
- Irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure
- Rupture of the stomach due to binging
- Inflammation of the throat and esophagus from purging
- Tooth decay from the stomach acids from purging
- Irregular bowl movements and constipation
- Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis
Health consequences of binge eating & compulsive overeating
Binge eating and compulsive overeating can often have the same health effects as obesity. This can results in:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Type II diabetes
- Gallbladder disease