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DANGER Physical Complications of Anorexia and Bulimia
Dehydration - restricting, vomiting and laxative/dieuretic abuse are the main causes. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, or darkening of urine. It can lead to kidney failure, heart failure and death.
Electrolyte Imbalances - electrolytes control nerve and muscle impulses, kidneys and heart, blood sugar levels and the delivery of oxygen to the cells- an imbalance can result in sudden death.
Edema - swelling as a result of water retention (caused often by laxative and dieuretic abuse)
Muscle Atrophy - wasting away of muscle and decrease in muscle mass due to the body feeding off of itself.
Ruptured Esophagus - caused by self-induced vomiting
Acid Reflux - This can damage the esophagus, larynx and lungs and increase the chances of developing cancer of the esophagus.
Dry Skin and Hair, Brittle Hair and Nails, Hair Loss - cause by deficiencies and general malnutrition.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) - Can cause heart arrythmias and shock. A sudden drop in blood pressure upon sitting up or standing. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, passing out, heart pounding and headaches.
Disruptions in Blood Sugar Levels - Can lead to physical and psychological deterioration.
Ketoacidosis - high levels of acids that build up in the blood (known as ketones) caused by the body burning fat (instead of sugar and carbohydrates) to get energy. It can lead to coma and death.
Kidney Failure - Vitamin Deficiencies, dehydration, infection and low blood pressure increase the risks associated with kidney infection making permanent kidney damage and kidney failure more likely.
Osteoporosis - Thinning of the bones with reduction in bone mass due to depletion of calcium and bone protein, predisposing to fractures.
Amenorrhea - Loss of menstrual cycle for at least three consecutive months(due to lack of secreting hormone, Oestrogen, by the ovaries). Loss of the menstrual cycle can also lead to Osteopenia and Osteoporosis.
Bruising - anaemia (iron deficiency) can cause susceptability to bruising as well as shortness of breath and palpitations
Dental Problems- caused by stomach acids(from vomiting), calcium defiencies, and hormonal imbalance.
Liver Failure - Fasting and 'slimming tablets' increase risks for liver damage/failure, slowed or irregular heartbeat, arrhythmias.
Heart Attack - caused by electrolyte imbalances (especially potassium), dehydration, malnutrition, low blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, abnormally slow heart rate,
Infertility - Caused by disturbed menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalances.
Depression - mood swings and depression will all be cause by physiological factors such as electrolyte imbalances, hormone and vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition and dehydration.
Decreased body temperature- caused by loss of insulating fat and low blood pressure.
Stomach Ulcers - cause by increased stomach acids, high consumption of caffeine or alcohol
Slowing of digestion process - a deficiency in digestive enzymes will lead to the bodies inability to properly digest food and absorb nutrients. This can lead to malabsorption problems, malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances.
Weakness and Fatigue - caused by poor eating habits, electrolyte imbalance, mineral deficiencies, depression, malnutrition, heart problems.
Seizures - the increased risk of seizures in sufferes of anorexia and bulimia may be caused by dehydration.
Death- caused by any of the following or any combination of the following: heart attack or heart failure; lung collapse; internal bleeding, kidney failure, liver failure, gastric rupture, perforated ulcer, depression and suicide.
Weight alone is no indication of physical state- ANYONE can die from an eating disorder at ANY weight
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