Effects of Anorexia Nervosa

The body doesn't get the energy from foods that it needs, so it slows down. Look at the picture to find out how anorexia affects your health.

Brain and Nerves

• Can't think right
• fear of gaining weight
• sad
• moody
• irritable
• bad memory
• fainting
• changes in brain chemistry

Hair

• hair thins and gets brittle

Heart

• low blood pressure
• slow heart rate
• fluttering of the heart (palpitations)
• heart failure

Blood

• anemia and other blood problems

Muscles and Joints

• weak muscles
• swollen joints
• fractures
• osteoporosis

Kidneys

• kidney stones
• kidney failure

Body Fluids

• low potassium
• low magnesium
• low sodium

Intestines

• constipation
• bloating

Hormones

• periods stop
• bone loss
• problems growing
• trouble getting pregnant
• If pregnant, higher risk for:
• miscarriage
• having a C-section
• baby with low birthweight
• postpartum depression

Skin

• bruise easily
• dry skin
• growth of fine hair all over body
• get cold easily
• yellow skin
• nails get brittle