There are many questions asked on this site about anorexia. Hopefully, the following advice will answers some of those questions:
Dangers of Anorexia
Reprinted from Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery By Lindsey Hall & Monika Ostroff
Anorexia health related problems...
Anorexia nervosa has a multitude of medical complications ranging from mild to severe.
In fact, 5-20% of anorexics die, usually frm complications associated with self-starvation, such as: heart, kidney, or multiple organ failure, or illnesses like pneumonia, which may be due to an inability to fight infection—all due to the dangers of anorexia.
Cardiac Problems—irregular heartbeat
Gastrointestinal disorders—risk of internal bleeding, ulcers, gastritis, and constipation
Amenorrhea—due to decreased estrogen production, which causes females to cease ovulation and mentration
Anemia—a blood disorder characterized by either a decrease in the number of read cells, or a reduction in hemoglobin; the body's ability to carry oxygen frm the lungs to its tissues is reduced; often caused by an iron deficiancy
bingeing—an effect of starvation
bruising
decreased testicular function in men—some studies reveal a decrease in testosterone and certain male hormones
dental decay and discoloration
depressed immune system
dizziness
dry skin; brittle hair and nails
edema—water retention, most commonly in the ankles and feet
endocrine abnormalities
fainting
high cholesterol—an effect of starvation, not necessarily warranting a low cholesterol diet
hyperactivity
hypoglycemia
increased risk of osteoporosis—bones lose density and fracture easily
insomnia
ketosis—the excessive accumultion of ketone bodies in the blood and urine, which is indicative of the body digesting its fat stores as a sole source of energy
kidney damage/failure—usually due to dehydration; many be worsened by the use of diuretics
lanugo—the growth of fine hair on the body, which is the body's attempt to keep itself warm when fat stores are depleted
liver damage—a condition that is usually irreparable
loss of hair on the head
low blood pressure
low body temperature—causes anorexics to feel cold
muscle cramps and weakness—usually due to electrolyte imbalances
pancreatitis—the painful swelling of the pancreas evidenced by severe abdominal pain, distention, and fever
sensitivity to light and sound
yellow skin—also called hypercarotinemia
Do you really think the above health problems sound attractive?
Remember, anorexia kills and death through this is usually slow and very painful. If you are concerned you may havge this, please speak to a health professional.
Link to anorexia help pages: http://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/anorexia.php
http://www.eating-disorders.org.uk/
Worldwide supportlines:
http://www.pale-reflections.com/phone.asp
Remember, asking advice from other anorexics 'may not' always be the best advice.
Take care
:)
This is for advice only so I have locked this page.