Eating Disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person's emotional and physical health.
Eating disorders are not just a "fad" or a "phase". People do not just "catch" an eating disorder for a period of time. They are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.
People struggling with an eating disorder need to seek professional help. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery. Our experience has been that if medical symptoms are left untreated they present life-long concerns. The main damage that eating disorders cause are to the reproductive system and bone density. Oesteopenia (a precursor to osteoporosis) is prevalent even if the person has had the eating disorder for a few months. The longer the person remains in the restrictive phase, the worse the damage tends to be. For athletes and dancers in particular, the loss of bone density can have severe, long term ramifications for their sport.
With regards to fertility, research has indicated that the miscarriage rate for women with a past or present history of eating disorders tends to be double that of the "normal" population. In the "normal" population the miscarriage rate is 20% and in eating disordered women it is 38%. Additionally, other reproductive issues are prevalent among women with eating disorders. Regulation of the menses as soon as possible is the best way to prevent these medical complications.
Another concern for some women with eating disorders is the prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This presents challenges since there are rapid shifts associated with PCOS and women tend to resort to extreme measures to control weight, which can induce disordered eating. Also, stress and chronic dieting appear to be some factors influencing PCOS. For more information on PCOS please go to www.afterthediet.com.
Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa: In anorexia nervosa's cycle of self-starvation, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally. Thus, the body is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy, resulting in serious medical consequences. Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which means that the heart muscle is changing. The risk of heart failure rises as the heart rate and blood pressure levels sink lower and lower. Reduction of bone density (Osteoporosis), which results in dry, brittle bones. Muscle loss and weakness. Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure. Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness. Dry hair and skin, hair loss is common. Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm.
Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa: The recurrent binge-and purge cycle of bulimia can affect the entire digestive system and can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that affect the heart and other major organ functions. Some of the health consequences of bulimia nervosa include: Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeat and possibly heart failure and death. The electrolyte imbalances are caused by losses of potassium and sodium from the body and dehydration as a result of purging behavior. Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting. Chronic irregular bowel movement and constipation as a result of laxative abuse. Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting. Peptic ulcers and Pancreatitis and potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing.
Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder often results in some of the health risks associated with clinical obesity. Some of the potential health consequences of binge eating disorder include: High blood pressure, High cholesterol levels, Heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels. Secondary diabetes. Gallbladder disease.
References:
National Eating Disorders Association (1998) Health Consequences Educational Handout
Healthy Within (2003) Health Consequences
