Effects of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders cause many issues in regards to health, studies/work and family relationships. Individuals suffering either anorexia or bulimia experience changes in their weight. Those with anorexia nervosa who have an overwhelming desire for thinness go through a downward spiral in weight as a result of their efforts to avoid gaining additional pounds and unconsciously avoiding food itself. On the other hand, individuals with bulimia can experience increase in weight.

Changes in weight can be observed in any one has eating disorders. In fact, this is among the signs and symptoms of anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating disorder and other diseases. However, eating disorders do not only affect the physical weight. This article discusses the various effects of eating disorders.

Anorexia nervosa causes health problems related to starvation such as vitamin and mineral deficiency, electrolyte disturbance, dehydration and fainting episodes. It also causes decreased thyroid and insulin which are important body hormones. Anorexia also causes changes in hair and skin. Too often, individuals with anorexia have dry skin and brittle hair and nails. They also experiences slow heart rate, decreased blood pressure and lower body temperature.

When not given the right anorexia treatment, anorexia may result to anemia and low white blood count which are necessary in fighting off infections. This increases risks of bleeding and infections and even death.

Similarly, individuals suffering bulimia also experiences drastic changes within them. Bulimia which is characterized by a strong compulsion to eat food results to muscle cramps, heartburn, fatigue, bloody diarrhea, fainting episodes, dizziness and abdominal pain. A bulimic person can also have defective teeth as a result of countless binge eating and purging.

Bulimic individuals binge and purge with the use of laxatives and diuretics as measures to avoid additional weight gain. Recurrent purging results to discoloration of the teeth and electrolyte imbalance which is important in keeping the heart in good shape.