32^nd European Nutrition and Dietetics Conference

Complications of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders cause a wide variety of complications, some of them life-threatening. The more severe or long lasting the eating disorder, the more likely you are to experience serious complications. Some of the underlying issues that are associated with an eating disorder include low self-esteem, depression, feelings of loss of control, feelings of worthless, identity concerns, family communication problems and an inability to cope with emotions. Patient suffering from anorexia nervosa will have a number of potential complications which include minor side effects such as fatigue or lack of energy as well as major on-going health problems or even death. Whereas patient suffering from Bulimia nervosa often feel trapped in this cycle of deregulated eating, and there is a risk for major medical consequences associated with bulimic behaviours. 

·         Reduce bone density

·         Constantly feeling cold

·         Muscle weakness