Physical Problems From Eating Disorders

PHYSICAL PROBLEMS AND MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS

Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Compulsive Overeating

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Fatigue and lack of energy
Amenorrhea (loss of menstruation)
Skin problems
Dizziness and headaches
Dehydration
Shortness of breath
Irregular heartbeats
Cold hands and feet
Bloating
Constipation
Hair loss
Stomach pains
Decreased metabolic rate
Edema (water retention)
Lanugo(fine downy hair)
Loss of bone mass
Kidney and liver damage
Electrolyte imbalances
Osteoporosis
Insomnia
Anemias
Infertility
Depression
Cathartic colon(caused from laxative abuse)
Low potassium (most common cause of nocturnal cardiac arrest)
Cardiac arrest and death

BULIMIA NERVOSA

Fatigue and lack of energy
Amenorrhea (loss of menstruation) and irregular menstruation
Dizziness
Headaches
Dehydration
Constipation and diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Irregular heartbeats
Depression
Tears of esophagus
Hair loss
Stomach pain and bloating
Erosion of teeth enamel
Chronic sore throat
Kidney and liver damage
Parotid gland enlargement
Electrolyte imbalances
Cathartic colon (caused from laxative abuse)
Edema (swelling of hands and feet)
Low blood pressure
Chest pains
Development of peptic ulcers and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Gastric dilation and rupture
Abrasions on back of hands and knuckles
Anemias
Cardiac arrest and death

COMPULSIVE OVEREATING

Weight gain
Hypertension or fatigue
Heart ailments
Mobility problems
Diabetes
Arthritis
Sciatica
Varicose veins
Hiatal hernia
Embolism
Sleep depravation
Toxemia during pregnancy
High blood pressure
Shortness of breath
High Cholesterol levels
Cardiac arrest and death

Resources:
-Surviving an Eating Disorder: Perspectives and Strategies for Family and Friends by Michelle Siegel, Ph.D., Judith Brisman, Ph.D., and Margot Weinshel, Ph.D. - Harper & Row Publishers, NY, 1988
-Walking A Thin Line by Pam Vredevelt and Joyce Whitman - Mullnomah Press, Oregon 1985
-Eating Disorders Handout - Sudbury General Hospital Eating Disorders Clinic (information for handout obtain from NEDIC)

Revised: 26 Sep 2011 11:36:49 -0400.