Physical effects of anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by semi starvation. It occurs much more frequently in young women than in young men starving at or around puberty. People with anorexia nervosa essentially to skin and bones but still they believe are fat. The anorexic person often appears to be bone and skin. Semi starvation produces hormonal and other changes which lower body temperature, slow the heart rate, decrease immune response, stop menstrual periods, and contribute to hair, muscle and bone loss. It is very serious disease which often produces life long consequences and may be fatal.

The state of semi starvation disturbs many body systems, as it forces the body to conserve as much energy as possible. This episode to conserve energy results in most of the physical effects. They are as follows.

• Loss of hair caused by a deficient nutrient intake
• Constipation from semi starvation and laxative abuse.
• Muscle tears and stress fractures in athletes because of decreased bone and muscle tears.
• Loss of menstrual periods.
• Loss of heart tissue and decreased heart rate.
• Iron deficiency anemia from a deficient nutrient intake
• Lowered body temperature and cold intolerance caused by loss of fat insulation.
• Appearance of lango-downy hairs on the body that trap air, reducing heat loss and in turn replacing stone insulation lost with the fat layer.
• Low white blood cell count caused by a deficient nutrient intake.
• The skin may also show multiple bruises because of the loss of protection from the fat layer normally present under the skin.
• Slow metabolic rate caused by decreased synthesis of the thyroid hormones.
• Abnormal feeling of fullness or bloating, which can last for several hours after eating.
• Decreased heart rate as metabolism slows.
• Other changes in heart function may also occur, including loss of heart tissue itself.
• Low blood potassium caused by a deficient nutrient intake, loss of potassium from vomiting and use of some type of diuretics.
• Loss of teeth along with low bone mass.
• Changes in neurotransmitter function in the brain, which leads to depression.

A person with this anorexia nervosa disorder is psychologically and physically ill and needs help.

A combination of binge eating, purging and or and/or starving can be found in both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

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