5 Physicial Effects of Eating Disorders

Many people, when they hear the term “eating disorder”, will think about the negative social effects that the disorders may bring about. For a teenage girl in high school, an eating disorder can force social withdrawal or depressive symptoms, just to name a few negative mental effects.

For more serious cases of eating disorders, however, severe bodily damage may occur. The truth is, an eating disorder can take a toll on the young body, causing health problems that almost never occur in normal, healthy youth. Some cases may be more serious than others, but one thing is for sure: the dangers of an eating disorder are well documented.

Here are 5 physicial effects of eating disorders:

1. Malnutrition

The most obvious danger of eating disorders is malnutrition, or deficiency for energy, protein, and micronutrients such as vitamins, iodine, or iron. Malnutrition is caused by a lack of calories and corrent nutrient in the daily diet, usually a result of improper eating, or intentional starving. When all the nutrients in your body are used up, malnutrition is reached. Malnutrition can lead to the exhaustion of other bodily nutrients — leading to damaged hair or weakened bones.

2. Heart Attack

Youth suffering from eating disorders may in fact have a heart attack! Eating disorders can cause electrolytic imbalances, triggering hypercalcemia or hyperkalemia, the main causes of heart attacks. The electrolytic imbalances can cause abnormalities that lead to serious side effects – heart disease included.

3. Dehydration

Dehydration is caused by the depletion or lack of fluid intake in the body. Vomiting or laxative abuse can cause dehydration, and can cause dizziness and weakness. Dehydration can lead to kidney failure, heart failure, brain damage, and even death.

4. Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the loss of menstrual cycle, or periods, in women. A low body mass index and low body fat levels disable the body’s ability to menstrual. Amenorrhea can cause a loss of calcium from the bones, loss of bone density and the loss of the ability to have children.

5. Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is the deficiency of sodium in the blood. If one drinks too much water (and not electrolytes), especially if someone is already malnourished or dehydrated, can cause fluid in the lungs, nausea, vomiting, and even death.

As you can see, the negative health effects of eating disorders can be very severe and even fatal. In addition to the 5 listed above, there are many other negative health effects, including diabetes, insomnia, and anemia. The list goes on and one. For many suffering from eating disorders, the scope of physical damage is lost in their obsession with their weight and appearance. If you know somebody suffering from an eating disorder, or suspect that he or she may be suffering from an eating disorder, do something about it. Showing you care may make a bigger impact on their health than you could ever imagine.