By:
Heather Borch
Alexis Brightwell
Melanie Szalontai

Effects of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can lead to serious physical health problems, such as kidney failure and heart problems. Individuals, who are more than 15% underweight, can cause damage to their organs because they do not have enough body fat. It is common for individuals with eating disorders to become dehydrated, which can cause dizziness, and negatively affect the brain. Anorexia can delay or decrease growth in children and adolescents. Individuals with eating disorders can also become impulsive, or they may feel like they are not important. This can lead to behaviour problems, for example, drug and alcohol abuse. If eating disorders are not treated, they may lead to severe malnutrition and possibly death (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2008).

Nutritional deficiencies may cause:
  • Cessation of menstrual periods
  • Growth of fine hair, which is the body’s attempt to conserve body temperature
  • Irritable mood
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Anemia (deceased levels of haemoglobin in red blood cells)
  • Weak bones
  • Lightheadedness
  • Decreased blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate
  • Development of diabetes
  • Digestive problems
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Dry skin
  • Brittle hair
  • Infertility
(American Academy of Family Physicians, 2008).