The human body needs food to function. Prolonged starvation can cause a great deal of damage. The medical complications associated with anorexia include:
Amenorrhea Nearly all women with anorexia will experience amenorrhea, which is a cessation of the menstrual cycle. The body knows it could not possibly sustain additional life, so it negates its own ability to reproduce. Although a woman’s ability to bare children usually returns once sufficient weight is gained, there is no guarantee.
Anemia Human blood needs certain nutrients to remain healthy and vital. Without sufficient nutrition, anemia occurs. Fortunately, once healthy eating becomes the norm, the condition resolves.
Dry Skin and Hair Loss Those with anorexia usually do not consume enough fluids and the result is dehydration. This causes the skin to become dry and flaky. The scalp often becomes bald or patchy. Conversely, hair growth increases on other parts of the torso, which is an attempt by the body to keep itself warm.
Feeling Cold Those with anorexia usually feel cold and it is not uncommon for their fingers to appear blue. In fact, their body temperature often registers a couple of degrees below what is considered normal and healthy: 98 degrees.
Slowness of Thought/Brain Shrinkage Most women with anorexia find it difficult to think straight, and especially, think quickly. This is caused by calorie depletion. Once fuel is returned, so does quickness of thought. Another consequence of starvation is brain shrinkage; unfortunately, it is permanent. Studies show that anorexia can cause a drop in actual IQ.
Osteopenia/Osteoporosis Bones need calcium and other nutrients to remain strong and healthy. When deprived, these degenerative bone conditions result. Most bone loss is permanent, leaving even young women at severe risk of bone fractures and spinal curvature.
Heart Rhythm Abnormalities, Heart Attacks When the heart is undergoing stress, electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias. A starving body attacks its own muscle tissue in an effort to stay alive. In the case of extreme starvation, the heart simply stops.
The important thing to keep in mind is that many of these medical complications can improve once a person recovers from anorexia. And for those that don't resolve, the sooner a person seeks treatment, the less severe the complication will be.
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Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. It's happening every day at Remuda Ranch. For additional information about the treatment of eating and anxiety disorders, please call 1-800-445-1900 or complete a Take the Next Step form and we will contact you with the information you need.
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