Eating Disorders: Health Consequences

Anorexia Nervosa

Symptoms of anorexia can be hard to notice because people with this condition can be very good at hiding their eating disorder behaviors. They may take small bites, organize their food, or "pick" at food when they eat. They often avoid eating around others to hide their behavior or because it causes anxiety.

Some of the signs of anorexia nervosa are:
 

Physical

• Brittle nails
• Constant tiredness
• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Dizziness
• Dramatic weight loss
• Dry skin
• Extreme thinness
• Growth of lanugo (soft furry hair) on face, back, and arms
• Hair loss
• Loss of periods (amenorrhea)
• Low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat
• Orangey color to the skin
• Paleness
• Poor concentration
• Sensitivity to cold
• Slow heart rate
• Slow or stunted growth
• Swelling of legs, feet, or ankles
• Weak bones (that can lead to osteoporosis)

Emotional

• Anxiety or nervousness
• Denial of a problem
• Depression
• Distorted body image (believes their body looks different than it actual does)
• Fear of weight gain
• Irritability
• Lack of emotion
• Low self-esteem
• Obsession with food
• Perfectionism
• Withdrawal from friends and activities

Bulimia Nervosa

Most of the time, you can't really tell if someone has bulimia just by looking at them because many of the symptoms aren't as obvious. People with bulimia can be average weight and often hide their eating habits and behaviors so friends and family won't always notice there's a problem.

Some of the signs are: 

Physical

• Constipation (trouble having regular and soft bowel movements)
• Dehydration (not enough fluids in the body)
• Dry, flaky skin
• Electrolyte problems (not the right balance of the fluids in the body)
• Irregular heartbeat (caused by low potassium levels)
• Irregular periods
• Sore throat
• Swollen face (from extra fluid in the body or enlarged salivary glands)
• Tooth decay/loss (cavities, loose teeth)
• Weight fluctuations (weight loss and gain)

Emotional

• Anger that is hard to control
• Denial of a problem
• Depression or anxiety
• Distorted body image (believes that their body looks different than it actually does)
• Fear of weight gain
• Impulsivity
• Intense focus on "flaws" and physical appearance
• Shame or guilt
• Withdrawal from friends

Binge Eating Disorder

Most of the physical signs of binge eating disorder are related to overeating and the obesity that may develop. Binge eating disorder is very different from obesity, though, because the loss of control that happens in binge eating disorder can lead to significant emotional consequences. 

Some of the signs and symptoms of binge eating disorders are:

Physical

• Gallbladder disease
• High blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Insulin resistance
• Joint pain
• Type II Diabetes
• Weight gain

Emotional

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Shame, loneliness, and self-hatred
• Withdrawal from friends

Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Boston Children's Hospital

Source: youngwomenshealth.org