Anorexia has many side effects because it is a very dangerous health complication. The side effects typically become more pronounced and more serious as the individual continues to lose weight and starve themselves. The entire body is affected by starvation, even the heart. Anorexics that binge and purge may experience other serious side effects as well from abusing laxatives or induced vomiting.
It’s unfortunate, but many women die from anorexia nervosa. In fact, women who are diagnosed have a 10% chance of dying in the first 10 years. Most of the deaths are attributed to starvation or suicide.
Individuals with anorexia, which are mostly women, may develop an irregular heartbeat due to a damaged heart. This is known as sinus bradychardia and is defined by a resting heart rate of 50 beats or less per minute. Any woman who develops this irregular heartbeat should not only avoid exercise, but caffeine as well because the heart could develop an arrhythmias, which is potentially fatal. This is when the heart beats in abnormal rhythms. Since most anorexics chose to continue their strict exercise regimen despite their symptoms of starvation they have a very high risk of arrhythmia.
Other side effects anorexics may experience include electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and both of these can also cause arrhythmias that may result in death. Anorexics that begin receiving treatment must be given supplements with glucose or calories very slowly so as not to cause a reaction in the cardiovascular system.
Anorexics also experience gastrointestinal effects. One complication that is quite common is constipation. In fact, many anorexics are not even diagnosed as anorexic until they make an appointment with their doctor regarding their constipation. Considering the fact that anorexics starve themselves, are dehydrated, and frequently abuse laxatives, it is not surprise that constipation is frequent among anorexics.
Other gastric problems like bloating and feeling full early make anorexics more likely to continue the starvation diet because it helps them lose weight. Anorexics frequently lose weight by binging and purging and many times laxatives, enemas, and vomiting are involved. Using laxatives chronically can damage the nerves in the stomach as well as make constipation worse. Anorexics who abuse laxatives must be weaned off them slowly because stopping cold turkey can cause edema and severe swelling, resulting in a weight gain of up to 20 pounds in a few days. This huge weight gain, albeit temporary, could have negative repercussions and it is very possible that the patient will refuse further treatment. That’s why it is important to slowly reduce the amount of laxatives being used. Anorexics should be aware that abusing laxatives can be fatal.