How does anneroxia affect your body?
Effects of Anorexia on the Body
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness that can have devastating effects on the body. People with anorexia often severely restrict their food intake, leading to malnutrition. This can cause a range of health problems, including:
* Weight loss: People with anorexia often lose a significant amount of weight. This can lead to a number of health problems, including:
* Increased risk of infection: Malnutrition can weaken the immune system, making people with anorexia more susceptible to infection.
* Anemia: Malnutrition can lead to a deficiency in red blood cells, which can cause anemia. Anemia can cause a number of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
* Osteoporosis: Malnutrition can lead to a loss of bone density, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures.
* Growth retardation: Malnutrition can stunt growth in children and adolescents.
* Menstrual irregularities: Women with anorexia often experience menstrual irregularities, such as amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation). This can occur because malnutrition can disrupt the production of hormones that are necessary for menstruation.
* Low heart rate: Malnutrition can lead to a decrease in the heart rate. This can cause a number of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.
* Low blood pressure: Malnutrition can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. This can cause a number of symptoms, including dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
* Electrolyte imbalances: Malnutrition can lead to electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia (low sodium levels) and hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Electrolyte imbalances can cause a number of symptoms, including muscle weakness, fatigue, and confusion.
* Organ failure: In severe cases, anorexia can lead to organ failure, such as kidney failure, liver failure, and heart failure.
The effects of anorexia can be life-threatening. If you or someone you know is struggling with anorexia, please seek professional help immediately.