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Facts about Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an irrational fear of food as well as extreme, life-threatening weight loss. Patients who suffer from anorexia nervosa have a distorted body image and an excessive, obsessive fear of obesity, even when they are morbidly underweight.

Anorexia nervosa, often referred to simply as anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by low weight, fear of gaining weight, and a strong desire to be thin, resulting in food restriction. Many people with anorexia see themselves as overweight even though they are in fact underweight.

No simple cure exists for eating disorders, but treatment is available, and recovery is possible. Through a combination of therapy, nutritional education and medical treatment, the symptoms of an eating disorder can be managed or eliminated.

It is crucially important that an individual suffering from anorexia nervosa and who is also experiencing heart failure receives as fully comprehensive treatment as possible. Finally, it is possible that bradycardia can lead to cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest, which is different than a heart attack, can be fatal.

Both vomiting and laxative abuse lead to electrolyte imbalances which affect the heart rate and the function of other major organs, including the kidneys. Like individuals with anorexia, people with untreated bulimia are at risk of heart failure, kidney failure and death.

Anorexia May Cause Emphysema. The malnutrition that results from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa may cause emphysema, says a published report. ... Similar changes are seen in people with emphysema caused by cigarette smoking. These changes result in shortness of breath and other respiratory problems.Dec 3, 2003

Untreated, anorexia nervosa can lead to:Damaged organs, particularly the heart, brain, and kidneys.Drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rates.Loss of hair.Irregular heartbeat.Thinning of bones, osteoporosis.Fluid-electrolyte imbalance.Death from starvation or suicide.

Kidneys. Acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, nephrolithiasis and electrolyte abnormalities are all complications caused by anorexia nervosa.13. A lowered intake of nutrients from purging can lead to kidney stones or even kidney failure 14.

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