Dangers of Eating
Disorders
Anorexia
• weak bladder
• poor circulation, slow pulse, fainting spells
• edema
• weakened bones
• periods stop or become irregular, which may cause
osteoporosis over time
• stomach shrinks and feels uncomfortably distended after
eating even a small amount of food
• gut function is decreased, resulting in constipation
• bone marrow, where the red and white cells in blood are
formed, is sluggish, which can result in anemia
• liver damage
• increased blood cholesterol levels
• abdominal pain
• emaciation
• muscular weakness and paralysis
• stunted growth and delayed puberty
Bulimia
Binge Eating and Purging
• injury to the esophagus
• stomach lining becomes inflamed causing gastritis
• death may result from the stomach rupturing
• lung complications occur when self-induced vomiting leads
to aspiration of food particles, gastric acid, and bacteria
into the lungs, producing pneumonia
• fluid and mineral loss
• alkalosis and potassium deficiency
• erosion of the enamel and dentin of teeth
• irregular menstrual cycles
• abdominal bloating
• headaches, fatigue, depression
• constipation
• swollen cheeks
• mouth ulcers
• edema
Laxatives
• laxatives don't prevent calories from being absorbed
• water and mineral loss
• injury to the intestines
• ulcers
• bloody stools
• dehydration
• constipation
• Diuretics
• dehydration
• calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc loss
• rebound retention of salt water, making your body more
sensitive to diet changes
Ipecac Syrup
• muscle and heart weakness
• leads to death
• Ipecac can kill you, whether taken in large doses or
small doses, it builds up over time
Diet Pills
• reduce appetite only temporarily
• weight is regained when appetite returns to normal
• dangerously addictive
• complications lead to death
Fad Diets
• encourage unhealthy dietary habits
• do not help the body lose fat or provide the nutrients
that are required to keep the body in optimal health
• fad diets ultimately don't work anyway
