Eating Disorders Can Be Devastating

Beginning of article

Byline: Dianna Hubay

Consequences, causes and treatment associated with eating disorders.

Consequences: The medical complications of eating disorders can be great. In anorexia, starvation damages vital organs such as the heart or brain. To protect itself from damage, the body shifts into low gear reserving its resources; the menstrual flow can stop, blood pressure drops, breathing slows, as does thyroid functioning. The hair and nails become brittle, skin yellows and becomes covered with a soft fur-like hair called lanugo. Additionally, thirst and urination may increase. Constipation results from dehydration, and lower body temperature from a decrease in body fat. …