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- Personality change from outgoing to withdrawn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.
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Nicole's Weight Obsession Could Kill Her
In Touch Sept 4, 2006 p19
"Dr. Gregory Jantz, an eating disorder specialist and the founder of A Place of Hope treatment center in Seattle, tells In Touch, "She's putting herself in a dangerous place." |
 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.
Remember,
The Center for Counseling & Health Resources, Inc.
is A PLACE OF HOPE!
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