Medical Complications of Anorexia Nervosa
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Anorexia is an extremely dangerous illness with a shockingly high mortality rate. A person with anorexia starves herself to dangerously thin levels, at least 15% below what would be considered normal body weight. Although men can and do struggle with anorexia, it is far more prevalent in women. Because the body needs food to function correctly, starving takes a significant toll on a woman’s health. The medical impact of anorexia is huge and includes:
Amenorrhea - Loss of Menstrual Cycle
This occurs in nearly all women with anorexia. The body simply shuts down its reproductive capacity because it is finding it difficult to sustain one life, let alone, two. Although a woman’s ability to bare children usually returns once sufficient weight is gained, that is not always the case. Anorexia, if engaged in long enough or at a critical time during adolescence, can contribute to infertility.
Anemia
Without sufficient nutrition, the blood is affected and anemia results. Fortunately, this condition is only temporary; blood health returns once food is reintroduced.
Dry Skin and Hair Loss
Dehydration causes the skin to drastically dry out and become flaky. The woman’s scalp, starved for protein and nutrients, often becomes bald or patchy. Paradoxically, extremely fine hair growth often occurs on other parts of the torso; this is an attempt by the body to keep itself warm.
Feeling Cold
Without protective fat stores to keep them warm, those with anorexia are usually cold. In fact, their body temperature is rarely at a healthy 98 degrees; it’s typically a couple of degrees less that normal.
Slowness of Thought/Brain Shrinkage
Although retardation of thought is temporary, due to lack of fuel to keep the brain functioning well, actual brain shrinkage, due to prolonged starvation, is not. Studies show a drop in actual IQ, which does not always return once the woman gets well.
Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
These degenerative bone conditions result from lack of calcium and other dietary deficiencies. Most bone loss is permanent, leaving even young women at severe risk of bone fractures and spinal curvature.
Heart Rhythm Abnormalities, Heart Attacks
Electrolyte abnormalities often trigger arrhythmias in the heart. This is a significant indication that the heart is undergoing stress. When a body is starving, it starts attacking its own muscle tissue in an effort to stay alive. The heart is a muscle and is not immune to this attack. In the case of extreme starvation, the heart simply stops.
Many of these medical complications can improve once a person recovers from the disorder. And for those that don’t resolve, the sooner a person seeks treatment, the less severe the complication will be. If you or someone you know is struggling with anorexia, please contact Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders at 1-800-445-1900.
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