The physical effects of... Anorexia & Bulimia
Back to Topic
Click to Print
Useful Websites
Glossary Term Selection
Anorexia
Anorexia (anorexia nervosa) has very serious physical effects and complications, as well as a devastating impact upon psychological well being.
The effects of anorexia are both short and long-term. There are the immediate physical effects as the body struggles to function without the nutrients and fuel that it needs. The sufferer is also at risk of developing long-term and potentially life-threatening health problems, particularly if the condition is untreated for many years.
Immediate physical signs of anorexia
Food deprivation has a range of physical effects as the body struggles to cope with insufficient nutrients and calories.
Anorexia sufferers can suffer some or all of the following:
- constipation
- dizzy spells and faintness
- abdominal pains
- muscle weakness
- poor circulation resulting in feeling constantly cold
- dry, yellow coloured skin
- early morning waking
- bloating
- people with anorexia often develop long, fine downy hair on face and body
- disrupted menstrual cycles or no...
Want to see the rest of this article?
Would you like to see the rest of this article and all the other benefits that Issues Online can provide with?
- Useful related articles
- Video and multimedia references
- Statistical information and reference material
- Glossary of terms
- Key Facts and figures
- Related assignments
- Resource material and websites
