For those that suffer from anorexia, the starvation can have harmful physical implications, such as damage of vital organs, like the brain and heart.  As a response, the body slows things down, like stopping monthly menstrual periods, lowering blood pressure rates, and slowing thyroid function.  The sufferer develops brittle nails and hair, their skin dries and becomes yellow, and their body is enveloped by soft hair referred to as lanugo.  They become much more thirsty than usual and have to go to the bathroom more often.  Their dehydration causes them to become constipated and because they have less fat, their body temperature is lower and they have less of an ability to withstand cold.

Anorexia also may cause reduced muscle mass, swollen joints, mild anemia, and light-headedness.  As the disease becomes worse, the sufferer could lose bone calcium, causing them to become brittle and vulnerable to breakage.  Irregular heart rhythms or heart failure are also possibilities.  For some anorexics, their brain could shrink, subsequently changing their personality as a result.  The good news is that this condition is reversible when the individual returns to their normal weight.

It has been discovered by scientists that many of those who suffer from anorexia also have other psychiatric illnesses at the same time.  The majority of those have co-occurring clinical depression, while the rest suffer from personality or substance abuse disorders, anxiety, and increased risk of suicide.  Another disorder that could affect those with anorexia is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is one that is identified by repetitive behaviors and thoughts.  Anorexics may act normal most of the time, but they are prone to sudden hostile and angry outbursts or withdraw themselves socially.

Those that suffer from bulimia nervosa are at risk of severely damaging their bodies by frequently binge eating and purging—even though they may appear to be at normal weight.  There have been rare occasions when binge eating has caused stomachs to rupture.  Purging could lead to heart failure because of the loss of vital minerals, like potassium.  The act of vomiting also causes serious and deadly problems.  The acid brought by vomiting can wear out the outer layer of teeth and cause scarring of fingers and the backs of hands during induced vomiting when figures are pushed down the throat.  In addition, there is inflammation of the esophagus and swelling of the glands near the cheeks.  Bulimia, like anorexia, could cause irregular menstrual periods.  The bulimic could also have a decreased libido.

Some who suffer from bulimia also may be addicted to substances such as alcohol and drugs or compulsively steal.  Similar to anorexics, some bulimics also suffer from anxiety, OCD, clinical depression, and other psychiatric illnesses at the same time.  When you take all these problems together, on top of their already impulsive tendencies, you have a much higher risk for suicidal behavior.

Those that suffer from binge eating disorder typically are overweight, so they have the health problems associated with it, like high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.  Obesity carries with it a greater chance for heart disease, gallbladder disease, and certain kinds of cancer.  Like anorexics and bulimics, those that suffer from binge eating disorder have a high probability of also having other psychiatric illnesses, such as depression.

You Can Get Help Today

You are not alone in your quest to overcome your eating disorder.  If you or a loved one is prevented from leading a happy life due to a eating disorder, please seek treatment immediately.  Begin your path to recovery by filling out our form or calling (888)268-9182.