Most of the medical complications of anorexia nervosa result from starvation.  Few organs are spared the progressive deterioration brought about by anorexia.

• Heart and circulatory system: Although not life-threatening, an abnormally slow heart rate (bradycardia) and unusually low blood pressure (hypotension) are frequent manifestations of starvation and are commonly associated with anorexia.  Of greater significance are disturbances in the heart rhythm (arrhythmia).  A reduction in the work capacity of the heart is associated with severe weight loss and starvation.
• Gastrointestinal complications are also associated with anorexia.  Constipation and abdominal pain are the most common symptoms.  The rate at which food is absorbed into the body is slowed down.  Starvation and overuse of laxatives can seriously disrupt the body’s normal functions involved in the elimination process.  While liver function is generally found to be normal, there is evidence of changes in enzyme levels and overall damage to the liver.
• The glandular (endocrine) system in the body is profoundly affected by anorexia.  The complex physical and chemical processes involved in the maintenance of life can be disrupted, with serious consequences.  Disturbances in the menstrual cycle are frequent and can affect not only fertility but also bone density, which is very important to a woman’s health as she ages.  Hormonal imbalances are found in men with anorexia as well.  Continual restrictive eating can trick the thyroid into thinking that the body is starving, causing it to slow down in an attempt to preserve calories.

Next week we will continue to discuss the physical signs and symptoms of anorexia.