According to the American Anorexia Bulimia Association, eating disorders affect over five million Americans. They continue to see themselves as overweight even though they weigh much less than they should for their body size, age, and activity level. Without an adequate intake of food, patients gradually starve themselves. Body functions slow, leading to low blood pressure, an irregular or slow heart beat, loss of muscle and bone, dry hair and skin, weakness and fatigue, severe dehydration, kidney failure, and growth of fine hair over the body. The extra calories are eliminated by self-induced vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, exercising compulsively, or fasting.
Regular vomiting can cause sore throat, swollen glands, and discoloration or erosion of the teeth.
Bingeing and purging also disrupts the digestive system, leading to constipation, bloating, indigestion, liver and kidney damage, and electrolyte imbalances. Another type of eating disorder is binge eating disorder. Patients eat compulsively and uncontrollably. Although they may binge on food, they don t purge. So patients continue to gain weight.