More than Just Losing or Gaining Weight: The Consequences of Eating Disorders

Sadly, thousand of people in the United States (and even more worldwide) suffer from eating disorders. These include anorexia, binge eating, and bulimia. It is clear, even to those who participate in unhealthy eating habits, that the rapid loss or gain of weight is unnatural for the body. However, there are many other consequences most people do not know about. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, seek help immediately-the situation is much more dangerous than you may realize and your intervention can mean the difference between life and death for yourself or a loved one.

Eating disorders, first of all, go hand in hand with a number of mental health diseases. An eating disorder can cause them or can be a side effect, but in either case, you should be aware that people who suffer from eating disorders are also prone to suffering from depression, alcohol or drug abuse, and anxiety. All of these conditions can lead to suicidal tendencies.

There are also health concerns relating directly to the unhealthy eating habits. Anorexia is an eating disorder in which people essentially starve themselves by consuming very little food. However, those experiencing anorexia do not just cut the fat from their diets-they are suffering from an overall malnutrition, and the lack of daily vitamins, proteins, sugars, and carbohydrates that a body needs. This can lead to a number of health complications, as minor as hair loss and as serious as heart disease.

Bulimics, on the other hand, do not starve themselves, but rather binge eat and then use methods to rid the body of this food. Induced vomiting can damage the stomach, throat, and other parts of the digestive system. It can also cause skin problems around the face and oral health problems. Bulimics also use laxatives in excess to rid their bodies of food without weight gain, and these medications all have their own side effects.

Binge-eating disorders are also damaging to the body. In this case, the person does not inducing vomiting or use laxatives, but still eats excess amounts of food for psychological reasons, not out of hunger. These people are therefore usually obese, which puts the body at risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, precursors to heart attack and stroke, which both, sadly, can result in death.

Simply put, eating disorders are dangerous. There are many consequences to participating in unhealthy eating habits, so if you or someone you know seems to be battling self-image and dieting excessively, express your concerns.

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