Pamphlet for Families Anorexia and bulimia are serious eating disorders which mainly affect females, although males may also become sufferers. Both disorders can be overcome. The sooner a person seeks advice about the condition the better. 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.