Health Risks of Anorexia

There are several health risks of anorexia, including problems with the heart, mental health problems, and even death. In some cases, anorexia treatment can diminish, if not remove, health risks of anorexia. However, some health risks of anorexia, such as osteoporosis, can remain even after a person no longer has the condition.

 

Health Risks of Anorexia: An Overview

The most severe and noticeable health risks of anorexia nervosa resemble those of starvation. The body reacts to the lack of food by becoming extremely thin, developing brittle hair and nails, dry skin, lowered pulse rate, cold intolerance, and constipation, as well as occasional diarrhea. In addition, mild anemia, reduced muscle mass, loss of menstrual cycle, and swelling of joints often accompanies anorexia.
 
Beyond experiencing the immediate health risks of anorexia, individuals can suffer long-term anorexia health problems, regardless of treatment.
 
These long-term health risks of anorexia include:
 
  • Heart problems
  • Osteoporosis
  • Mental health issues
  • Death.
     

Health Risks of Anorexia: Heart Problems

Health risks of anorexia related to the heart can include:
 
Heart failure in people with anorexia is even more likely in those who use drugs to stimulate vomiting, bowel movements, or urination.
 

Health Risks of Anorexia: Osteoporosis

Lack of calcium places anorexics at an increased risk for osteoporosis, both during their illness and in later life (see Anorexia and Osteoporosis).
 
(Health Risks of Anorexia Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD