Question

Can you please describe physical consequences of eating disorders. Name at least two.

Answer 1

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the eating disorders. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by loss of control during overeating followed by purging. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by self imposed starvation.

Anorexia nervosa usually results in being severely underweight with significant functional malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances. Other conditions include dental caries,muscle wasting, slow pulse and hypotension, blotchy skin,loss of hair or abnormal hair growth (hirsutism),susceptibility to infection, amenorrhea.Even death can occur due to circulatory collapse and cardiac failure secondary to electrolyte imbalances

Bulimia nervosa individuals will usually be obese.Due to purging efforts,there will be throat irritation caused by stomach hydrochloric acid,dental caries etc.All other features of anorexia nervosa is also seen in bulimia nervosa.