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To schedule an appointment or for more information, please
contact
Dr. Penson at 323-580-3383 or by email
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Health Consequences of Eating Disorders
- Eating Disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening
conditions that affect a person’s emotional
and physical health.
- Eating Disorders are not just a “fad”
or a “phase.” They are real, complex,
and devastating conditions that can have serious
consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.
- People struggling with an Eating Disorder need
to seek professional help. The earlier a person
with an Eating Disorder seeks treatment, the greater
the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery.
Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa:
In Anorexia Nervosa’s cycle of self-starvation,
the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs
to function normally. Thus, the body is forced to slow
down all of its processes to conserve energy, resulting
in serious medical consequences:
- Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure,
which mean that the heart muscle is changing. The
risk for heart failure rises as the heart rate and
blood pressure levels sink lower and lower.
- Reduction of bone density (osteoporosis), which
results in dry, brittle bones.
- Muscle loss and weakness.
- Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney
failure.
- Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness.
- Dry hair and skin, hair loss is common.
- Growth of downy layer of hair called lanugo all
over the body, including the face, in an effort
to keep the body warm.
Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa:
The recurrent binge-and-purge cycles of Bulimia can
affect the entire digestive system and can lead to the
electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that
affect the heart and other major organ functions. Some
of the health consequences of Bulimia Nervosa include:
- Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular
heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death.
- Electrolyte imbalance is caused by dehydration
and loss of potassium and sodium from the body as
a result of purging behaviors.
- Potential for gastric rupture during periods of
bingeing.
- Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus
from frequent vomiting.
- Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released
during frequent vomiting.
- Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation
as a result of laxative abuse.
- Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis.
Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder:
Binge Eating Disorder often results in many of the same
health risks associated with clinical obesity. Some
potential health consequences of Binge Eating Disorder
include:
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol levels.
- Heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride
levels.
- Secondary diabetes.
- Gallbladder disease.
Source: National Eating Disorders Association - www.neda.org
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