Let’s get real – eating disorders can affect anyone, anywhere. This National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (#NEDAwareness), we’re changing the conversation around food, body image, and eating disorders! Join us at nedawareness.org
DAY 5:
Note: There are many people with disordered eating that do not fit into one of these categories and may be diagnosed with an “Other specified feeding or eating disorder.” If this is the case, it is still very important to consult with a licensed professional to learn more about the eating disorder and seek out appropriate services.
Health Consequences
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:
• Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which means that the heart muscle is changing. The risk for 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
• Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle)
• Delayed gastric emptying, bowel irritation
• Constipation
• Death
Worried you may be struggling with an Eating Disorder?
Use the screening tool here
Or find more information on treatment at WECHC here.
