Practices highly self-controlled behavior. Anorexia Nervosa - Medical Consequences Anorexia nervosa is intentional starvation that deprives the body of protein and prevents the normal metabolism of fat. In an effort to protect itself, the body slows down. The heart muscle changes and its beat becomes irregular. The ultimate result can be heart failure that results in death.
Menstruation often stops, even before extensive weight loss.
This is called amenorrhea. Dehydration, kidney stones and kidney failure may result. A fine body hair, called lanugo, develops on the arms and can even cover the face. Muscles atrophy or waste away, resulting in weakness and lost muscle function. Delayed gastric emptying caused by a lack of energy and slowed body function results in bowel irritation and constipation.