They gradually eat less and less while becoming preoccupied by food or even cooking for others. Often they develop odd eating habits, such as binge eating, monotonous diets, and hoarding or hiding of food. Anorectics may also resort to laxatives or self-induced vomiting to lose weight. Living on only about 600 calories a day, anorectics eventually lose so much weight that hormonal and metabolic changes in their bodies result. Decreased estrogen levels in female anorectics often cause osteoporosis , a weakening of the bones usually associated with older women.
Depression usually becomes more severe as the condition progresses.
Among the fatal complications are infections resulting from weakened resistance, starvation, laxative-induced dehydration , and suicide caused by depression . Prevention Parents should watch for signs of excessive weight loss. The person may wear bulky clothes to hide thinness. Conversation may reflect an obsession with food. Other symptoms may include hyperactivity and social isolation.