Medical Consequences of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Heart Problems: Starvation can result in the heart muscle shrinking, slowing down and beating irregularly. The potential for heart failure must be taken seriously. Cardiac arrhythmia is often found in anorectic patients and can be a cause for sudden death.
Amenorrhea: The cessation of menstruation occurs frequently in anorectic patients, often before extensive weight loss occurs.
Kidneys: Anorectic behavior can lead to dehydration, kidney stones and kidney failure.
Lanugo: A fine body hair can develop on the bodies of anorectics. It is often seen on the arms and can even cover the person’s face.
Muscle Atrophy: Significant weight loss often leads to deterioration of muscle tissue.
Disgestive Problems: Restricted eating can result in delayed gastric emptying, making bowel irritation and constipation a problem.
Osteoporosis: Can develop during anorexia nervosa or later in life even after eating has normalized for years.
Bulimia Nervosa
Electrolyte Imbalance: Vomiting, the use of laxatives, and diuretics can all cause sodium and potassium to be flushed out of the body. This can cause heart arrhythmia, heart failure and death.
Dental Problems: The stomach acids in vomit erode teeth enamel, leading to extensive cavities and damage.
Throat/Esophagus/Stomach: Self-induced vomiting can result in irritation and tears in the lining of the throat, esophagus and stomach.
Laxative Dependence: Abusing laxatives can result in the inability to have normal bowel movements.
Emetic Toxicity: Abuse of emetics such as Syrup of Ipecac can lead to toxicity, heart failure and death.
Binge Eating Disorder
High Blood Pressure: Excess weight is believed to be a cause of hypertension in many individuals.
High Cholesterol Levels: Compulsive eating, especially with foods high in sugar or fat content, leads to elevated cholesterol levels and hardening of the arteries.
Heart Disease: Excess weight taxes the heart muscle which causes high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries and elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are associated with heart disease, including heart attacks.
Diabetes: Excess weight is associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Overeating simple carbohydrates, including sweets and junk food, places stress on the pancreas which can lead to reactive hypoglycemia early in life and secondary diabetes later because of increased insulin resistance.
Source: National Eating Disorders Organization (NEDO), 6655 South Yale Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74136 © 1996