Anorexia nervosa
Complications of anorexia
If anorexia nervosa isn't treated, it can lead to a number of serious health problems.
In some cases, the condition can even be fatal.
Other health problems
Long-term anorexia can lead to severe complications and health problems, oftenas a result of Malnutrition . Some complications may improve as the condition is treated, but others can be permanent.
Health problems associated with anorexia include:
- Problems with muscles and bones including weakness,fragile bones (osteoporosis) and problems with physical development in children and young adults
- Sexual problems including absent periods and infertility in women, and loss of sex drive and erectile dysfunction in men
- Problems with the heart and blood vessels including poor circulation, anirregular heartbeat, low blood pressure , heartvalve disease, heart failure and swelling in the feet, hands or face (oedema)
- Problems with the brain and nerves including fits (seizures) and difficulties with concentration and memory
- Other problems kidney damage, liver damage, anaemia and low bloodsugar (hypoglycaemia)
Some people with anorexia develop another eating disorder called bulimia nervosa . This is where a person binge eats and then immediately makes themselves sick, or uses laxatives to rid their body of the food.
Pregnancy complications
If you have anorexia and are pregnant, you'll need to be closely monitored during pregnancy and after you've given birth.
Anorexia during pregnancy can increase the risk of problems such as:
- miscarriage
- giving birth early (premature birth)
- having a baby with alow birth weight
- needing a caesarean section
You're also likely to need extra care and support during pregnancy if you previously had anorexia and recovered from it.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 30 Nov 2016
Introduction
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition. It's an eating disorder where a person keeps their body weight as low as possible. Anorexia most commonly affects girls and women, although it has become more common in boys and men in recent years.
Symptoms of anorexia
The main symptom of anorexia is deliberately losing a lot of weight, although there are often a number of other physical and psychological signs there's a problem.
Causes of anorexia
The exact causes of anorexia nervosa are unclear, but most specialists believe it's likely to be the result of a combination of factors. Anorexia often starts off as a form of dieting that gradually gets out of control.
Diagnosing anorexia
When trying to determine whether you have an eating disorder, your GP will probably ask questions about your weight and eating habits. In some cases, they may also check your BMI.
Treating anorexia
The treatment for anorexia nervosa usually involves a combination of psychological therapy and supervised weight gain. It's important for a person with anorexia to start treatment as early as possible.
Complications of anorexia
If anorexia nervosa is not treated, the condition can lead to a number of serious health problems. Long-term anorexia can lead to severe complications and health problems, oftenas a result of Malnutrition .
Patient story: "When I looked in the mirror, a mound of blubber stared back."
At 21, Katie Metcalfe was starting a creative writing degree at Cumbria University but seven years before this her life was very different. My mum took me to the GP when my periods stopped, but they sent me home with a diet sheet.
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