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Eating disorder health problems
Eating disorders can cause a lot of health problems both emotional and physical.
- In the most serious cases, an eating disorder can be fatal.
- If you have an eating disorder, you might withdraw from friends and family and from your normal activities, in an effort to hide the problem.
- You might have mood swings and feel down a lot. Eating disorders can cause depression over time.
- You may suffer from a range of side effects such as loss of energy, poor sleep, anxiety and coldness. You might be prone to becoming sick easily.
- You may have problems with your teeth and skin.
- Eating disorders can cause serious damage to internal organs.
- If the body is starved, there can be a drop in blood pressure, pulse and breathing rate.
- Eating disorders may cause anaemia and brittle bones. Your periods will often stop also.
- Bulimia can damage the stomach and kidneys from vomiting. In severe cases, eating disorders can lead to serious malnutrition or death.
- Emotionally, you can have a distorted body image (for example thinking you are fat even though your body is very thin) and be obsessed with your weight. You might get depressed, feel constantly guilty or hate yourself.
- Read information on recovery from an eating disorder.
Bodywhys is an organisation that provides information, support and advice to those with eating disorders and their families. Call their helpline on Lo Call 1890 200 444.