From Malnutrition to Heart Failure: The Hidden Health Dangers of Anorexia & How Therapy Offers Hope
Health Dangers of Anorexia & How Anorexia Therapy Can Help
What are the long-term effects of Anorexia? I hear this question often from many different people. Some ask because they are currently suffering with Anorexia and just beginning or in the midst of Anorexia Therapy, but really don’t believe that these effects can happen to them. Others ask because they are in anorexia recovery and are afraid of what damage they may have already done to their body.
Health Consequences of Anorexia & How Anorexia Therapy can Help
It’s important to know that the long-term effects (as well as short-term for that matter) of Anorexia can vary greatly. Some factors that can cause this variation include;
Genetics
Length of time the person has suffered
Severity of the behaviors and disorder
Individual health
Each person will vary so much because there are a variety of factors that could impact the effects they will get from their disorder. We are all individuals and therefore different things affect us differently. For instance, ever had a cold that runs through your household and you notice one family member always seems to get it worse? Why is that? Their genes may vary from others in the house, they may be a smoker, they may have compromised health as it is, etc. As with anything else, people who suffer from Anorexia will all be affected differently.
With all that said, below is a list of SOME of the potential impacts suffering from Anorexia could have on your body. Please note this is not an all-inclusive list:
Malnutrition: essentially meaning that your body is not getting the proper nutrients or the necessary amount of nutrients to function properly and optimally
Brittle bones that may actually come in the form of a bone disease such as Osteoporosis or Osteopenia.
Slowed heart rate that is permanent or long-lasting (may impact your ability to stand up quick without blacking out, your ability to engage in endurance activities, etc.)
Low blood pressure
Low energy that may result from the slowed heart rate. What takes little energy from another person may cause these people to expend much more energy.
Hormonal imbalances
Digestive problems such as bloating or constipation
Weakened immune system
Decreased muscle tone and difficulty putting on muscle.
Impaired brain function as a result of malnutrition
Amenorrhea: loss of regular periods
Infertility
Heart Failure and heart complications
Death: Anorexia can be fatal. According to NEDA, eating disorders are the 2nd most fatal psychiatric disorder behind opiate addiction!
On a different note, it is possible that a person does not develop these long-lasting negative effects. It is possible that the Anorexia was caught early enough and treated in a way that all effects were reversible. However, a word of caution - do not take this as false security to make you feel safe in continuing on in Anorexia. Everyone is at risk for serious, long-term and irreversible effects and you may not know for years to come what these effects have been or will be. If you are reading this and believe you are struggling with Anorexia, the best thing you can do is to reach out to get Anorexia Therapy and get your treatment underway.
Noone is immune from the health consequences of Anorexia and it can happen to you!
There is overwhelming research to suggest that the earlier on Anorexia is caught and treated, the much better the prognosis meaning less likelihood of serious irreversible health consequences and less time needed for treatment in order to get better.
If you are struggling with an Anorexia, discomfort around food or body image issues, please get help as soon as possible from an Anorexia Therapist.
Why Start with an Anorexia Therapist?
Getting Anorexia Therapy will begin your treatment journey and a qualified Anorexia Therapist will make recommendations to get a treatment team in place for you from other qualified professionals who have experience working with Anorexia. In addition to your Anorexia Therapist, your treatment team may consist of a dietitian, physician, psychiatrist, gastroenterologist amongst others depending on your specific presenting concerns.
A physician is crucial to monitor and check for the impacts of anorexia on your physical health. The reason why I suggest getting an Anorexia Therapist first is because a good Anorexia Therapist will also have connections with great physicians who have experience working with anorexia. Getting a treatment team together can be overwhelming and on top of that, getting a treatment team qualified in helping with anorexia can prove to be a more difficult task. An Anorexia Therapist can help you to navigate this journey and get your treatment team together with you as well as help you deal with the overwhelm of beginning your anorexia recovery journey.
It’s Time to get Help from an Anorexia Therapist
Don’t wait until you already are struggling with health issues to get Anorexia Therapy. It’s time to reach out to an anorexia therapist for help. If you are ready to start your recovery journey, click here to submit a contact form in order to set up your free 15-minute phone consultation call with me, an Anorexia Therapist, to see how I can help you recover from Anorexia.
*Disclaimer* - I am not a medical doctor and this post does not constitute as medical advice. This post is derived from my experience working with clients who struggle with Anorexia, research and collaborating with medical professionals.