A fine body hair can develop on the bodies of anorectics. It is often seen on the arms and can even cover the person's face. Vomiting, the use of laxatives, and diuretics can all cause sodium and potassium to be flushed out of the body. This can cause heart arrhythmia, heart failure and death. Abuse of emetics such as Syrup of Ipecac can lead to toxicity, heart failure and death.
Excess weight is believed to be a cause of hypertension in many individuals.
Compulsive eating, especially with foods high in sugar or fat content, leads to elevated cholesterol levels and hardening of the arteries. Excess weight is associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Overeating simple carbohydrates, including sweets and junk food, places stress on the pancreas which can lead to reactive hypoglycemia early in life and secondary diabetes later because of increased insulin resistance. Use of anabolic steroids causes atrophy of vital organs. The reproductive organs are particularly affected and it can result in infertility.