Eating disorders are commonly classified as mental illnesses—and rightly so: They are seldom really about food or eating, but rather stem from trauma, stress, and other psychological motivators. And yet, though they may be psychological at their root, their effects can be decidedly physical.

Complications from Eating Disorders

Indeed, eating disorders can lead to a number of bodily complications—including some serious and even life-threatening health consequences.

As an example, consider some of the health consequences of anorexia nervosa:

• Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure
• Reduction of bone density
• Muscle loss and weakness
• Severe dehydration, sometimes leading to kidney failure
• Fainting and fatigue
• Physical weakness and frailty
• Dry hair and skin, and often hair loss

The health consequences of bulimia nervosa are just as serious. Just a few of them include:

• Electrolyte imbalance—leading to heart problems and potentially death
• Gastric ruptures
• Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus
• Tooth decay
• Chronic bowel problems
• Pancreatic problems

Binge eating disorder, meanwhile, has many of the ill effects among them:

• Diabetes
• Gallbladder disease
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease and the risk of heart attack

Hope and Healing

Clearly, eating disorders are serious—not just for their psychological symptoms, but for the ways in which they do grave damage to the body. But while they are serious, they are never hopeless. Recovery is possible, so long as clinical treatment is sought.

Don’t allow an eating disorder to ravage your health. Seek treatment from trained eating disorder recovery specialists, like the Alsana team. Put an end to these dire health risks, and start loving yourself, cherishing, and taking care of yourself.

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