Health Consequences of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders — such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating — are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person’s emotional and physical health. Eating disorders are neither a fad nor a phase that a person goes through. Such a belief minimizes the seriousness of these disorders and discourages their treatment. There are serious health consequences that result from leaving these disorders go untreated, Eating disorders are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships. People struggling with an eating disorder need to seek professional help. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery. Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa In anorexia nervosa’s cycle of self-starvation, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally. Thus, 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, which mean that the heart muscle is changing. The risk for heart failure rises as the heart rate and blood pressure levels sink lower and lower. 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, ...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Anorexia Binge Eating Bulimia Disorders Eating Disorders General Healthy Living anorexia health problems Binge Eating Disorder bulimia health problems Health Consequences Source Type: news