Eating Disorder Treatment Help: Eating Disorders & Medical Complications - RainRock™ Eating Disorder Education
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Eating Disorder Education
What are some of the medical complications of eating disorders (Anorexia, bulimia)?

Some medical complications may include:
  • Acid Reflux
  • Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle)
  • Bone density problems (Osteoperosis)
  • Bruising of the skin
  • Cardiovascular problems
  • Dehydration
  • Dental problems
  • Digestive difficulties
  • Dry skin, hair, and nails and hair loss
  • Edema (Swelling of soft tissues resulting from excess water accumulation from laxative or diuretic abuse)
  • Electrolyte Imbalances
  • Gastrointestinal complaints (cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, incontinence)
  • Hypo- and Hyperglycemia (low/high blood sugar)
  • Hyponatremia (low sodium)
  • Infertility
  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Ketoacidosis (high level of acids build up when the bosy burns fat instead of sugar/carbs)
  • Kidney infection and failure
  • Lanugo (soft downy hair on face, back, and arms)
  • Liver failure
  • Low blood pressure or hypotension
  • Low body temperature
  • Low platelet count
  • Malnutrition
  • Muscle Atrophy
  • Pancreatitis
  • Parotid gland swelling
  • Seizures
  • Sleep problems
  • Tearing of esophagus
  • Weakness and fatigue

  1. What is anorexia nervosa?
  2. What is bulimia?
  3. What is an eating disorder?
  4. What are some of the medical complications of eating disorders (Anorexia, bulimia)?
  5. What is Binge Eating Disorder?
  6. Do Males also get Eating Disorders?
  7. I have heard that people with eating disorders often have other problems and diagnoses. What are they?
  8. What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
  9. What medical tests are done for persons with eating disorders?
  10. How are eating disorders treated?
  11. Can a person recover from an eating disorder?
  12. What if I have another condition like Diabetes, or Alcohol/Chemical Dependency?




An excerpt from 100 Questions & Answers About Eating Disorders Carolyn Costin, LMFT, MA, MEd
Carolyn Costin is the founder and clinical director of The rainrock Treatment Centers