Eating Disorders
A special thanks goes out to NEDO - the National Eating Disorders Organization for providing me with the information found on this page. The site can be found on the World Wide Web at... http://www.laureate.com/nedointro.html
Anorexia Nervosa - Medical Consequences
- the heart muscle changes and its beat becomes irregular. The ultimate result can be heart failure that results in death.
- menstruation often stops, even before extensive weight loss. This is called amenorrhea
- dehydration, kidney stones, and kidney failure may result
- a fine body hair, called lanugo, develops on the arms and can even cover the face.
- muscles atrophy or waste away, resulting in weakness and lost muscle function
- delayed gastric emptying caused by a lack of energy and slowed body function results in bowel irritation and constipation
- loss of bone calcium leads to osteoporosis
Bulimia Nervosa - Medical Consequences
- vomiting, laxatives, and diuretics flush sodium and potassium from the body resulting in an electrolyte imbalance. Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) can result, which can ultimately lead to heart failure and death.
- the stomach acids in vomit can erode tooth enamel, resulting in damage such as cavities and discoloration.
- self-induced vomiting can result in irritation and tears in the lining of the throat, esophagus, and stomach.
- laxative abuse can create a dependence and result in an inability to have normal bowel movements.
- abuse of emetics to induce vomiting can result in toxicity, heart failure, and death.
Binge Eating Disorder - Medical Consequenses
- high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and elevated triglyceride levels cause hardening of the arteries, heart disease, and heart attacks.
- overeating simple carbohydrates -- sweets, and junk food -- places stress on the pancreas. At first there is an abnormally low amount of glucose in the blood. Later in life, secondary diabetes can result.