EATING DISORDER DANGERS

All eating disorders are equally serious and cause significant suffering and distress. Listed are some of the more common physical consequences of each specific disorder. Always remember that recovery is possible and you are not alone in your struggle. Reaching out for help and support is a courageous decision that can save your life.
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ANOREXIA:⋅

• Malnutrition
• Fatigue, weakness and feeling faint
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Heart and kidney failure
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Cold intolerance
• Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
• Constipation and gastrointestinal issues
• Anemia
• Pregnancy complications
• Menstrual irregularities including amenorrhea
• Cardiac complications
• Lanugo (fine hair covering body)
• Poor concentration
• Hair thinning and loss
• Impaired immune functioning

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BULIMIA:

• Electrolyte imbalances
• Dental problems, erosion and decay
• Dehydration
• Cardiac complications
• Esophagus inflammation and/ or rupture
• Constipation and gastrointestinal issues
• Difficulties concentrating
• Sleep problems
• Cuts and calluses on top of finger joints (due to inducing vomiting)
• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Swelling around area of salivary glands
• Acid reflux
• Menstrual irregularities
• Dizziness and fainting
• Edema and bloating from fluid retention

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BINGE EATING DISORDER:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea and breathing problems
• Cardiovascular disease
• Weight gain/ obesity
• Gastrointestinal distress 
• Lethargy and fatigue
• High blood sugar
• Gallbladder disease
• Joint and muscle pain
• Infertility and pregnancy complications
• Menstrual irregularities
• Edema and bloating from fluid retention

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OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders):

• Weakened immune system
• Dental problems
• Cognition difficulties
• Malnutrition
• Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
• Kidney failure
• Fatigue, muscle weakness, feeling faint
• Hormonal imbalances including infertility
• Menstrual irregularities
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Digestive issues
• Cardiac complications
• Sleep problems
• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Weight fluctuations

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ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder):

• Concentration difficulties
• Hair thinning and loss
• Heart problems
• Developmental delays
• Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
• Failure to gain weight (children) or weight loss (adults)
• Weakened immune system
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Menstrual irregularities
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Gastrointestinal complications
• Cold intolerance
• Sleep problems
• Dry skin and brittle nails

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ORTHOREXIA:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Infertility
• Cognition difficulties
• Malnutrition
• Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
• Kidney failure
• Lowered immune system
• Hormonal imbalances 
• Menstrual irregularities including amenorrhea
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Digestive issues
• Cardiac complications

 

For further information, links and support please visit the Eating Disorder Resources page