Anorexia Nervosa      Bulimia Nervosa      Binge Eating Disorder      Related Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa

• Heart muscle changes; beat becomes irregular;
  the result can be heart failure that ends in death
• Amenorrhea (the stopping of menstruation) can occur, even before extensive weight loss
• Dehydration, kidney stones and kidney failure may develop
• Fine body hair (lanugo) can grow on the arms, face and body
• Muscles atrophy or waste away;
  resulting in weakness and lost muscle function
• Bowel irritation and constipation;
  delayed gastric emptying caused by a lack of energy and slowed body function
• Loss of bone calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis

Bulimia Nervosa

• Vomiting, laxatives and diuretics flush sodium and potassium from the body, resulting in an electrolyte imbalance. Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) can occur, leading to heart failure and death
• Stomach acids in vomit can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and discoloration
• Self-induced vomiting can cause irritation and tears in the lining of the throat, esophagus and stomach
• Laxative abuse can create dependency; resulting in an inability to have normal bowel movements
• Abuse of emetrics to induce vomiting can lead to toxicity, heart failure and death

Binge Eating Disorder

• High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, elevated triglyceride levels;
  causing hardening of the arteries, heart disease and heart attacks
• Stress on the pancreas, caused by overeating simple carbohydrates - sweets and junk food. Leads first to abnormally low amount of glucose in the blood; ultimately, to secondary diabetes