Bulimia and Anorexia

QUESTION: Bulimia and anorexia - What are the effects?

ANSWER:

Both bulimia and anorexia are eating disorders that affect thousands of individuals each year. The effects of bulimia and anorexia can be both long-lasting and life-threatening.

Bulimia and anorexia are both characterized by an obsession with the sufferer's weight and the need for perfection. Their view of realty becomes distorted; even if they only weigh ninety pounds, they will see themselves as overweight. They frequently are obsessed with exercise in addition to rigid diet regimes. Those who suffer from bulimia, in addition to anorexia, will frequently purge themselves of excess calories through the use of laxatives or self-induced vomiting.

Some of more minor side effects of bulimia and anorexia are fatigue, muscle weakness, fainting, dizziness, and missed periods for women. Sufferers are more likely to be susceptible to frequent colds and flues, and poor health in general.

If bulimia and anorexia are left undetected and unchecked, sufferers can experience more life-threatening side effects. Some consequences of bulimia and anorexia can include:

• Hormonal changes: including stress
• Unbalanced thyroid and growth hormones: resulting in retarded growth of the individual
• Heart disease: including dangerous heart rhythms
• High cholesterol
• Restricted blood flow
• Low blood pressure
• Heart muscle starvation
• Electrolyte imbalance: resulting in an irregular heartbeat
• Osteopenia: loss of bone minerals
• Osteoporosis: loss of bone density
• Various neurological problems
• Organ failure: can result in death

As displayed, the effects of bulimia and anorexia can be extremely serious. If you or someone you know suffers from either bulimia and/or anorexia they should seek professional help immediately.