What are the complications of anorexia?

Updated on

What are the complications of anorexia?

The medical complications and health risks of malnutrition and starvation, which are common in people who have anorexia, can affect nearly every organ in your body. In severe cases, vital organs such as your brain, heart and kidneys can sustain damage. This damage may be irreversible even after a person has recovered from anorexia.

Severe medical complications that can happen from untreated anorexia include:

  • Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia).
  • Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis) and tooth enamel erosion.
  • Kidney and liver damage.
  • Fatty liver disease (steatosis).
  • Seizures caused by extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
  • Rhabdomyolysis (rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle) due to loss of water and electrolyte/acid-base imbalances.
  • Delayed puberty and physical growth.
  • Infertility and menstrual problems.
  • Insomnia.
  • Anemia.
  • Ventricular arrhythmia, a heart rhythm disorder.
  • Mitral valve prolapse (caused by loss of heart muscle mass).
  • Cardiac arrest.
  • Death.

In addition to physical complications, people with anorexia also commonly have other mental health conditions, including:

  • Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.
  • Personality disorders.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorders.
  • Alcohol use disorder and substance misuse.

If these mental health conditions are left untreated, they could lead to self-injury, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Someone will be available to talk with you 24/7.

Related posts