Anorexia Health Risks

Anorexia is a serious disorder and should not be taken lightly. It has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, with the potential to result in many severe health consequences.

Physical Complications Resulting from Anorexia

Physical complications include:
  • Cardiac complications, low or abnormal heart rate
  • Anemia
  • Low body temperature
  • Low blood pressure
  • Osteoporosis, reduction of bone density
  • Muscle loss
  • Dental decay
  • Seizures
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloating and nausea
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • For women, amenorrhea (suppression of menstrual cycle) and fertility issues
  • Dry skin and hair loss
  • Severe dehydration

When a person with anorexia becomes severely malnourished, every organ in the body can be damaged, including the brain, heart and kidneys. This damage may not be fully reversible in some cases.

Anorexia and Co-occurring Disorders

In addition to the host of physical complications, individuals with anorexia also commonly have other mental health issues, including:
  • Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders
  • Personality disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Alcohol and substance abuse

If You Are Ready to Regain Your Life, Walden Can Help.

If you are concerned that you – or a loved one – may have an eating disorder, we are here to help. Please call 888-305-2997 to speak with a Walden eating disorders intake specialist, or complete the form on this page, to start the road to recovery.

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