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Anorexia side effects are numerous in people with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder that affects many women but also some men. The effects of rapid slimming and very low body weight take their toll on the body and there are huge side effects which can even lead to death such as in famous cases like the singer, Karen Carpenter.

Malnutrition

By not eating enough generally, your body does not receive enough in the way of nutrients that it needs such as vitamins. No amount of supplements can compensate for the nutrients that the body needs to receive naturally from food and needs to build and maintain it.

Hence why it is common to see brittle hair and yellow nails.

Menstrual Cycles

Many women who are anorexic actually stop having periods altogether. Clearly, this is not normal.

Cardiac Arrest

This is perhaps the worst side effect possible. Anorexia sufferers have hardly any muscle at all, and this includes their heart muscle which degenerates. The heart muscle weakens until it gives up and results in cardiac arrest, often killing its victims.

Organ Damage

Frequently, the liver and the kidneys are amongst the organs often affected.

Osteoporosis

Particular in younger women, anorexia damages the bones and can lead to life-long osteoporosis.

Is your child suffering from anorexia? Read about how a stay at home mom cured her daughter of anorexia. This site might just save her life: Anorexia Home Treatment.

Anorexia can affect anyone from any walk of life. It literally means “lack of appetite” but this is a misnomer because most sufferers are perpetually hungry due to lack of food.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where those affected will intentionally lose weight and then maintain what is an abnormal and also unhealthy weight level, despite being very hungry. Although the effects are seen outwardly on the body, it is recognised as a mental illness rather than a physical one.

In those affected, anorexia is seen during the teenage years and very rarely beyond 40. It mostly affects females and only approximately 1 in 20 sufferers are male. Anorexia nervosa manifests itself in many ways including unnatural fears of gaining weight, over-exercise, a distorted image of one’s own image and irregular periods (in women).

It is more often seen in those cultures and countries where being thin is highly valued. It is mainly, but not exclusively, a product of westernisation. Cases in the developing world are comparatively rare.

In the short to medium term, anorexia nervosa leads to severe malnutrition. In extreme cases, heart problems which can eventually lead to fatal heart attack can occur. One famous example is the 70s singer, Karen Carpenter.

There may even be genetic factors involved but, ultimately, this disease is a mental one and it is highly recommended that a sufferer obtain psychiatric help before the condition becomes too severe and permanent health problems result.