How does anorexia damage the body?
Anorexia damages the body in several ways:
- Malnutrition: Anorexia is a disorder that causes people to restrict their food intake to the point that they become malnourished. This can lead to a number of health problems, including:
- Anemia: A condition that occurs when the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells
- Osteoporosis: A condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle
- Muscle loss: Anorexia can cause the body to lose muscle mass
- Heart problems: Anorexia can lead to a number of heart problems, including:
-- Arrhythmias: A condition in which the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly
-- Heart failure: A condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body
- Electrolyte disturbances: Anorexia can cause the body's electrolyte levels to become imbalanced. This can lead to a number of problems, including:
-- Muscle weakness: Anorexia can cause the body to lose potassium, which is an important mineral that helps muscles contract
-- Fatigue: Anorexia can cause fatigue and exhaustion, which is often due to low energy levels
-- Nausea: Anorexia can cause nausea and vomiting, which is often due to electrolyte disturbances
- Gastrointestinal problems: Anorexia can cause a number of gastrointestinal problems, including:
-- Constipation: Anorexia can cause the body to produce less stool, which can lead to constipation
-- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus
-- Gastric ulcers: Anorexia can cause the stomach to produce too much acid, which can lead to gastric ulcers
- Reproductive problems: Anorexia can cause reproductive problems in both men and women, including:
-- Amenorrhea: A condition in which women stop having menstrual periods
-- Erectile dysfunction: A condition in which men are unable to achieve or maintain an erection
- Neurological problems: Anorexia can cause a number of neurological problems, including:
-- Depression: Anorexia can cause depression, which is often due to malnutrition
-- Anxiety: Anorexia can cause anxiety, which is often due to malnutrition and the fear of gaining weight
-- Cognitive impairment: Anorexia can cause problems with memory, concentration, and decision-making
- Skin problems: Anorexia can cause a number of skin problems, including:
-- Dry skin: Anorexia can cause the skin to become dry and flaky
--Brittle nails: Anorexia can cause the nails to become brittle and break
-- Hair loss: Anorexia can cause hair loss