Health Consequences of Anorexia

Anorexia is a form of starving yourself. You deny your body nutrients it needs to be healthy. You force your body to slow down in order to preserve energy. When you force your body to slow down, you put yourself at very serious risk. The risk includes risk of death.

When you deprive your body of nutrients, you may cause any of the following dangerous consequences:

---Abnormally slow heart rate

---Low blood pressure

---Changes in the heart muscle

---Risk of heart failure

---Electrolyte imbalance

---Anemia

---Reduced estrogen secretion

---Your periods may stop.

---Changes in your bones. They lose density. This is called osteoporosis. Your bones can then break more easily.

---Dental problems including erosion of your enamel

---Loss of muscle tone throughout your body

---Weakness

---Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure

---Hair loss is common

---Fainting

---Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face. This happens because your body is trying to stay warm.

---Death. Hospitalization may be required to restore your weight. Over 10% of people admitted to the hospital for treatment of anorexia eventually die from their anorexia.

Anorexia is very dangerous. It can be successfully treated. The sooner you seek help, the better. Call someone now to talk. If you are a parent or loved one, take action now. It is tempting to minimize the dangers. Please don't.