Anorexia and Your Body

ANOREXIA Anorexia nervosa has the highest death rate of any DSM diagnosis. Between 5%-20% of people who develop anorexia eventually die from it. Even for survivors 00 120 anorexia can cause lifelong damage to the body. 5 50 56 Visible Effects of Anorexia Tooth decay Dry and chapped lips Dry skin Thinning hair Bruises Frail appearance Anorexia and the Body Anorexia can negatively impact bone mass in as little as six months, and cause lifelong complications. Bones Heart As the body loses muscle mass, it loses heart muscle at a preferential rate, making it smaller and weaker. The #1 causes of hospitalization are low heart rate, low weight, and electrolyte imbalance. Complications of Anorexia Hormonal Changes • Stress hormones rise. • Growth and thyroid hormones drop. • Estrogen and DHEA levels drop. Blood Problems levels of vitamin B12. • Red blood cell production is compromised due to lowering Heart Disease • Dangerous heart rhythms, including slow rhythms known as bradycardia. Multiorgan• Risk of organ failure. Failure • Normal menstruation may never • 90% of women experience Bone and growth return. loss of bone calcium. Fertility • Higher risk of miscarriage and birth defects. • 40% experience loss of bone density. Sources: http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa/physical-effects http//www.webmd.com/mental-health/anorexia-nervosa/features/anorexia-body-neglected http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/anorexia-nervosa/complications-of-anorexia.html mirasol INFOGRAPHIC DESIGNED BY ENationalPositions