Anorexia Complications

Anorexia complications vary in degree and in severity.  Anorexia in its most fatal complication can lead to death.  This can come as a surprise to many because anorexia can lead to death even if the sufferer is not the least underweight.  Anorexia complications can lead to other illnesses as well.  Anorexia does not only lead to so much physical suffering on the part of the individual, but his or her mental health may also suffer as well.  Not to mention the great deal of stress and pressure this can bring to the anorexic.

If someone has been suffering anorexia for a long time, it can lead to severe anorexia complications and health problems that can leave a permanent scar to an individual?s overall well being such as damaged bones.  Individuals with anorexia are prone to great risks of poor circulation and cardiovascular problems, poor heart conditions such as?coronary heart disease and irregular heartbeat or otherwise known as arrhythmia.

There are instances that anorexia can lead to another eating disorder known as .  This involves an individual binge eating, then immediately forces themselves to vomit either though self induced gagging or by way of diuretics and laxatives.

Other anorexia complications are imbalance of minerals in the blood such as potassium, calcium and sodium.  These minerals play an important role in keeping our body healthy.  One common anorexia complication under this is low levels of potassium or also known as hypokalaemia.  This can cause weakness, tiredness, dehydration, and kidney damage.

Low levels of calcium can cause muscles to contract painfully, this is also known as spasms.  The lack of calcium and vitamin D can cause damage to our bones, and the lack of sodium can cause individuals to become confused.

Anorexia complications can include low blood pressure?or hypotension, low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia , anaemia, dental problems such as tooth decay?due to the constant vomiting since the stomach acids have a unwanted effect on tooth enamel.  There is also renal failure, liver damage, heart failure, osteoporosis?and loss of muscle strength which is more common in females, loss of sex drive or libido and impotency?in men.

These anorexia complications are too numerous to be taken for granted.  If someone you know is showing signs of any of these, coupled with their obsession in remaining thin, then you may be faced with an anorexic individual who may need your help and support.