Eating Disorders - Complications of Anorexia

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The result of many of these hormonal abnormalities in women is long-term, irregular or absent menstruation (amenorrhea). This can occur early on in anorexia, even before severe weight loss. Over time this causes infertility, bone loss, and other problems. Low weight alone may not be sufficient to cause amenorrhea. Extreme fasting and purging behaviors may play an even stronger role in hormonal disturbance.

Psychological Effects and Suicide

Adolescents with eating behaviors associated with anorexia (fasting, frequent exercise to lose weight, and self-induced vomiting) are at high risk for anxiety and depression in young adulthood. Some studies estimate that 12 - 18% of people who are anorexic also abuse alcohol or drugs. Even worse, suicide has been estimated to account for as many as half the deaths in anorexia. In one study, 22% of anorexic patients attempted suicide during the course of the 8-year study period.

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Heart Disease

Heart disease is the most common medical cause of death in people with severe anorexia. The effects of anorexia on the heart are:

• Dangerous heart rhythms, including slow rhythms known as bradycardia, may develop. Such abnormalities can show up even in teenagers with anorexia.

• Blood flow is reduced
• Blood pressure may drop
• The heart muscles starve, losing size
• Cholesterol levels tend to rise

Click the icon to see an image of cholesterol.

A primary danger to the heart is from abnormalities in the balance of minerals, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, which are normally dissolved in the body's fluid. The dehydration and starvation that occurs with anorexia can reduce fluid and mineral levels and produce a condition known as electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes (calcium and potassium) are critical for maintaining the electric currents necessary for a normal heartbeat. An imbalance in these electrolytes can be very serious and even life threatening unless fluids and minerals are replaced. Heart problems are a particular risk when anorexia is compounded by bulimia and the use of ipecac, a drug that causes vomiting.