What Medical Problems Can Anorexia Nervosa Cause?

Many physical changes can occur with anorexia nervosa. A large number of these may be attributed to weight loss. Others are complications related to purging.

Changes in body metabolism associated with weight loss leads to a lowering of:

• Heart rate

• Blood pressure

• Breathing rate

• Body temperature (which may result in feeling cold)

Other physical symptoms include:

• Thinning or drying of the hair

• "Lanugo" hair (a fine hair that develops on the face, back, or arms and legs)

• Dry skin

• Restlessness and reduced sleep

• Yellowish color on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet

• Lack of or infrequent menstrual periods

Self-induced vomiting and laxative abuse are associated with physical complications such as:

• Swollen salivary glands (evident by swelling on the sides of the face)

• Erosion of tooth enamel, increase in dental cavities

• Fatigue

• Body fluid loss

• Bloating, swelling of the feet and ankles

• Soreness or tears in the lining of the mouth or throat

• Constipation, stomach cramps

• Numbness and tingling in the limbs

• Dizziness, weakness, fainting

Anorexia nervosa can lead to serious symptoms, such as heart problems, seizures, and kidney damage. Death may even occur as a result.

Osteoporosis (the loss of bone mass) is common in anorexia nervosa. It can lead to a variety of problems, including a tendency toward stress fractures and other bone abnormalities.