Many of the effects of anorexia are related to malnutrition absence of menstrual periods, if female severe sensitivity to the cold growth of down-like hair all over the body inability to think rationally and to concentrate. Favourable comments cause the person to believe that if thin is good, then thinner is better. The body does not react well to starvation, and the erratic behaviour associated with anorexia begins to dominate the person's life. The person with bulimia is usually average, or slightly above average, weight, so is less visible than anorexia. Often bulimia starts with rigid weight reduction dieting.
Inadequate nutrition causes tiredness and powerful urges to binge-eat.
The person with bulimia experiences chemical imbalances in the body which bring about lethargy, depression and clouded thinking. The physical effects can be very serious, but are generally reversible if the disorders are tackled in the early stages. It is most unwise to ignore the warnings and delay treatment. Left unattended, the disorders can detract from the person's quality of life - for a lifetime. The time and effort to recover are therefore well worthwhile .