SIDE EFFECTS
AnorexiaSome of the physical affects an anorexia sufferer
would experience are an unhealthy and a dangerously low body weight, dry skin lips and hair, constantly feeling cold with headaches and fainting. Their metabolisms becomes slower and their immune system becomes weak and may be severely low in nutrition which may cause them to have anaemia (iron), zinc deficiency and weak bones. Girls may miss their periods. Anorexia sufferers have obsessive thoughts about food and weight, this may cause them to watch how much they eat (starvation is usually done) and constantly count calories, they have a distorted body image, low self esteem and depression. They also get mood swings. Anorexia sufferers have a specific behaviour, they exercise excessively, and restrict their food, they refuse to eat in front of others, become aggressive when forced to eat forbidden foods. Anorexia may be a suicidal attempt; in some cases they might self harm. 40% of people with anorexia will later develop bulimia. |
BulimiaThere are many physical symptoms associated with Bulimia Nervosa,
most of which are caused by vomiting. These symptoms include dehydration, erosion of dental enamel, a chronic sore throat, indigestion, heartburn, reflux, swollen salivary glands, stomach & intestinal ulcers, abdominal pain, bloating, bowel problems, constipation, diarrhoea, muscle fatigue and cramps. Bulimia sufferers may have an irregular or slow heartbeat, which can lead to heart failure. Bulimia sufferers become very sensitive to references about weight or appearance; they have a constant feeling of guilt and self-disgust which may cause them to develop anxiety and depression. Like anorexia, they are very conscious about food, weight and how others see them. A person suffering with bulimia will take many trips to the bathroom, especially after eating. They purge as much as possible and exercise frequently. The person suffering will avoid food and have misleading behaviours towards food, this may be because of fear of gaining weight, and may also be to avoid purging afterwards. |