The Dangers of Eating Disorders

Why Are Eating Disorders Dangerous?

Millions of people of all ages and genders worldwide suffer from eating disorders. Eating disorders can damage your health as you often don’t get the nutrients your bodies need to stay healthy and function properly. Eating disorders are among the deadliest mental illnesses, second only to opioid overdose, according to Harmony United Psychiatric Care. Eating disorders can affect major organ systems in the body, putting your life at risk.

Anorexia nervosa can cause:

• Osteopenia or osteoporosis
• Brittle hair and nails
• Low iron levels and weak muscles
• Constipation
• Low blood pressure
• Decreased body temperature

Bulimia can cause:

• Swollen glands in the neck and jaw
• Decay in tooth enamel sensitive teeth
• Heartburn
• Pain in the stomach and intestine
• Kidney failure
• Dehydration

Binge-eating disorder can cause:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Digestive problems
• Heart problems

What Causes an Eating Disorder?

Eating Disorders are incredibly complex illnesses. There are usually a variety of causes involved, including mental health, genetic and biological factors, and daily social environment. Everyone’s situation is unique, but there is a list of common risk factors, including:

• Low self-esteem
• Genetics
• Distorted body image
• Mental illness
• Societal or social pressure
• Stress
• Abuse or trauma

Today, popular media does not always show a diverse range of body shapes and sizes. Fashion magazines, social media, and television often display a particular body type as ideal, such as thin or muscular. This unrealistic societal standard can play a role in developing body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.

Eating Disorder Effects You Should Take Seriously 

Source: Meredith MacKenzie – Parallel Wellness/Youtube

Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, should all be taken seriously. Eating disorders are serious mental health and medical disorders that can have long-term effects. In this video, Meredith MacKenzie shares common eating disorder effects on the body and eating disorder recovery side effects. Whether you’re seeking anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder recovery, or just want to learn more, Meredith shares helpful advice.

Medical Complications of Eating Disorders

Source: KeltyMentalHealth

In this video, Dr. Pei-Yoong Lam, an Adolescent Medicine Physician in the Provincial Specialized Eating Disorders Program for Children and Adolescents at BC Children’s Hospital, discusses the medical complications associated with eating disorders among children and adolescents.

If you are in a crisis and need help immediately, text “NEDA” to 741741 to be connected with a trained volunteer at Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 Support via text message to individuals who are struggling with mental health, including eating disorders and are experiencing crisis situations.

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