Definitions and Health Consequences

Anorexia Nervosa

• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight
• Intense fear of weight gain or being "fat"
• Feeling "fat" or overweight despite dramatic weight loss
• Loss of menstrual periods in girls and women post-puberty
• Extreme concerns with body weight and shape

Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa

• Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure
• Reduction of bone density (osteoporosis), which results in dry, brittle bones
• Muscle loss and weakness
• Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure
• Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness
• Dry hair and skin, and hair loss
• Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body

Bulimia Nervosa

• Eating large quantities of food in short periods of time, often secretly, without regard to feelings of "hunger" or "fullness" and to the point of feeling "out of control" while eating
• Following these "binges" with some form of purging or compensatory behavior to make up for the excessive calories taken in: self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, and/or obsessive or compulsive exercise
• Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa

• Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death
• Potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing. Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting.
• Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting
• Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse
• Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis

Binge Eating Disorder

• Frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food in short periods of time, often secretly, without regard to feelings of "hunger" or "fullness"
• Frequent feelings of being "out of control" during binges
• Eating large quantities of food rapidly, without really tasting the food
• Eating alone
• Feelings of shame, disgust, or guilt after a binge

Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels
• Secondary diabetes
• Gallbladder disease

Source: Material reproduced from Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention, Inc. www.edap.org