Dangerous Physical Complications of Anorexia
Dr. Jantz speaking on Anorexia
What is Anorexia
Anorexia, or
self-starvation, is a disease and it can be fatal if left
untreated. Recognition of its symptoms can be the first step
toward saving yourself or someone you love from this
dangerous disease.
The following is a list of the
observable symptoms:
- Refusal to maintain body weight
- Fear of gaining weight
- Talks about "feeling fat"
- Difficulty with eating full meals
- Rigidity with what they will eat
- An obsessive preoccupation with body size
- Over-exercising
- Intense dissatisfaction with physical appearance
- Personality change from outgoing to withdrawn
- Limit food intake to "arrow selection of low-Cal foods
- Hoarding, concealing, crumbling or throwing away food
- Menstrual difficulties
Physical Complications of Anorexia
Anorexia Nervosa is a disease with many
consequences. It is known that 5-20% of anorexics die of
major organ failure, due to their constant starvation. Some
of the consequences are: The person may experience
cardiac problems, such as a slow or rapid heartbeat. The
person may experience Anema, or an amazing amount of
bruising. Men may experience decreasing testicular function.
People may suffer from tooth decay, or loss of skin color.
People may have dizziness, fainting, and high cholesterol.
Some people may experience lanugo, which is the excessive
growth of hair on the body, because the body is trying to
keep itself warm due to its loss of fat. Liver damage.
Anorexia can also cause baldness. Pancreatitis can also be a
consequence. It's symptoms include extreme stomach pain and fever detecting swelling
of the pancreas. Also women will be missing menstrual
periods.
Many individuals who are anorexic or bulimic abuse
laxatives. Please read our articles on
Laxative Abuse.
We have several other
helpful articles and reports on Eating Disorders and
information on how to help others with an eating disorder.
The following is
some graphics showing the extreme effects of anorexia. Be aware
that these graphics are very intense.
Before Picture of
someone suffering with anorexia
After
picture-experiencing victory over anorexia
 I
want you to know:
There is Hope. There is Help. There is Healing. If you are
struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, compulsive overeating, or any
other food addiction.
If you are wondering if you have an eating disorder, I would encourage you to go
our On-Line Eating Evaluation. After completing the evaluation you can request
information to be e-mailed to you.
If you know you have a serious problem with an Eating Disorder, be sure and read
about our Specialized Intensive Treatment Program.
You can always give our office a call Toll-Free
1-888-771-5166
Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D.
Sandra's Victory Story
 Laura
Minor
Group FacilitatorEating Disorders
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