Physical Effects Caused By Anorexia
People who suffer from anorexia work hard at starving themselves to obtain their goal of thinness. While starvation is happening, other body functions are being hurt. It may be difficult for people to understand that they are killing themselves in their quest for thinness but many people are doing just that.
Conditions during World War II drew attention to the effects of semi-starvation on a person’s physical well-being. During this time many prisoners of war were starved, and concentration camp victims were forced to survive on daily food rations of bread and soup. To learn more about the effects of starvation University of Minnesota researchers designed an experiment in which volunteers who usually ate 3500 calories per day were limited to 1500 calories for six months. While in a state of starvation, the participants experienced physical symptoms that resemble symptoms of anorexia.
- Hair fell out in large clumps
- Wounds were slower to heal
- Muscles cramped and ached
- Protruding bones made sitting painful
- Pulse rate decreased
- Cold temperatures became intolerable
- Sex drive diminished
- Time alone was preferred over social interaction
- Irritability replaced a once calm demeanor
- Chewing gum became a popular food substitute
Investigators also noticed that participants became preoccupied with food. The less people eat the more they obsess about food.
Does that sound like you?
Here is a checklist of some physical effects that can result from intense dieting.
_____Irregular or absent periods/ menstrual cycles
_____Baby fine “peach fuzz” hair growth, especially on the face
_____Hair loss
_____Weakness/fatigue
_____Dizziness
_____Irregular heartbeats
_____Dry skin
_____Frequent Constipation
_____Edema (swelling/water retention)
_____Cold hands and/or feet
If you experience one or more of these symptoms it is recommended that you see your medical doctor and a mental health counselor. Even if you do not have any physical symptoms it is still recommended that you see your physician and a counselor.
If you are concerned about your weight or body image, contact New Life Counseling, (515) 964-5003, for an appointment.