This type of disorder is often accompanied by depression, irritability or withdrawal. Aside from death, anorexia or starving oneself is extremely detrimental to physical health. When the body enters starvation mode, it slows down to conserve energy. This slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure increasing the risk of heart failure. There is a loss of bone density and muscle mass.
Dehydration can lead to kidney failure, dry hair and skin and hair loss.
A bulimic often consumes large quantities of food quickly and often secretly, with no regard to hunger or fullness. This binge is followed by purging in the form of self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting or obsessive, compulsive exercising. Other symptoms include calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles and discolored or stained teeth caused by self-induced vomiting. Often, bulimics will appear to be of average body weight. Many recognize their behaviors as dangerous or unusual and attempt to hide their actions.