The resulting effects of having an eating disorder
As a result of food restriction or restriction followed by binging and/or purging, the body is affected both psychologically and physically. The resulting harm to the body will depend on how seriously a person is affected and for how long. A sufferer may be affected by any number of the following:

For those who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Compulsive Overeating there may be many similarities in the Emotional and Social changes and the Physical activity.

There are a number of those suffering from bulimia and anorexia who find themselves abusing laxatives and or diuretics, that is taking more than the recommended dose, or regularly taking them over a period of weeks, months or even years.

Laxatives are any product designed to stimulate evacuation of the bowels - they include tablets, syrups, salts, drinks, laxatives in confectionery form, and 'natural' laxatives. Diuretics remove water from the body. Neither laxative or diuretic abuse will achieve anything other than very temporary and short term apparent weight loss. Laxatives will not reduce the amount of calories you absorb. Diuretic abuse does reduce the amount of water in the body. However water is vital for the appropriate functioning of all the body’s systems and diuretic abuse can lead to fatal complications. There are numerous and long-term medical side effects of laxative abuse that can lead to serious health problems and even fatalities.

So called ‘slimming drugs’ can also have serious side effects and should only ever be taken under medical supervision, and never to lose weight inappropriately.

Many people with an eating disorder may find that they also self harm in other ways to help deal with the difficult emotional issues in their life. They may self injure for example by cutting or burning, or abusing alcohol or drugs. Self-harming is a sign of distress.

With help, it is possible to learn to manage the behaviour and find other ways of coping. Understanding why a person feels the need to hurt themselves is just as important as preventing it, which is why it can really help to talk to someone about what is going on.

Tooth decay
You may experience some problems with your teeth. You may have symptoms such as sensitive teeth, toothache, or perhaps your teeth have changed colour. Most of these problems are due to acid erosion of the surface of the teeth. This acid can come from two sources, acidic foods or drinks, and stomach acid as a result of vomiting.

Stomach acid washing over the teeth dissolves the enamel layer of the tooth. This may lead to the pulp and nerve endings becoming exposed and the teeth may then have to be crowned or coated. Unfortunately much of the repair work undertaken to preserve the teeth of a person with an eating disorder will be ineffective unless they stop using self-induced vomiting as a method of weight control. Constant drinking or sipping low calorie ‘fizzy’ drinks, ‘sport/energy’ drinks or fruit based drinks can also have similar effects because of the acid they contain.

It is important not to brush teeth after vomiting as this can make the problem worse. Using a fluoride mouthwash and then waiting several hours before brushing or eating acidic foods will reduce, but not prevent problems.

Osteoporosis is a breakdown of the internal structure of bone which leaves the skeleton fragile and vulnerable to fracture. Although osteoporosis is quite rare in healthy people below the age of 55-60 years, it is a common complication of anorexia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa doesn’t usually lead to osteoporosis unless there is a previous history of anorexia nervosa.

Osteoporosis caused by anorexia nervosa may not be completely reversible, particularly if the illness starts before puberty and continues well into adult life. The longer anorexia nervosa continues and the greater the extent of weight loss, the more fragile the skeleton becomes. Fractures of the spine result in permanent pain, disfigurement and disability. The only effective means of improving bone health and reducing the risk of fracture in anorexia nervosa is to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

There are two main reasons why anorexia nervosa can cause osteoporosis. First, the illness usually starts during the teenage years when bones are still developing their structure and strength. Malnutrition and low weight slow bone development and growth. Second, if anorexia continues into a person’s 20’s and 30’s, they start to lose bone prematurely. The worst case scenario is when people develop anorexia nervosa at a younger age (before they are fully grown and developed) and develop a chronic condition. If recovery from anorexia occurs during the teens and early 20’s, there is a greater chance of ‘catching up’ and achieving a healthier bone mass.

Heart disease and diabetes
Because of the amount of food eaten, many people affected by Binge Eating Disorder (BED) or Compulsive Overeating become obese which can lead to problems with blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and a general lack of fitness. BED and compulsive overeating and the resulting risk to health can be life threatening and should be taken seriously.