Having an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder can result in short-term complications and, when left untreated, can cause severe long-term issues. It is important to search for eating disorder treatment centers that can identify and competently treat these illnesses. Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice but are serious medical conditions that can endanger a person’s life. Thankfully, eating disorder recovery programs are available to provide treatment and to support your loved one on the path to recovery.
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Risks of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by preoccupation with weight and restrictive eating. A person with anorexia nervosa may engage in compensatory behaviors, such as intense exercise, hoping to reduce their weight even further. Their body image may be extremely distorted. It is recommended that an individual with anorexia nervosa receive help at eating disorder treatment centers to negate the risks associated with the illness and begin on the path to recovery.
People with anorexia nervosa run the risk of brain damage, multiorgan failure, infertility, heart damage, anemia, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, and even death. Other complications may include yellowish and dry skin, brittle nails and hair, constipation, constant fatigue, fine hair growth over the entire body, reduced body temperature, lack of energy and sluggishness, lower blood pressure or lowered vital signs.
Risks of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a disease where the person binge eats and then compensates for the binge eating by forcing themselves to vomit, taking excessive laxatives or diuretics, excessive exercising or severely restricting food.
It is important for individuals with bulimia nervosa to seek out treatment to begin on the path to eating disorder recovery. Bulimia can have many negative consequences, including loss of electrolytes that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. He or she may suffer from severe dehydration from purging or could also have gastrointestinal problems, sore throat, sore jaw and lymph nodes, decaying teeth, acid reflux disease or damage to their intestines.
Risks of Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder occurs when a person eats a large amount of food in a short period of time, often times when they are overfull or not hungry. He or she may hide their binge eating from others to avoid feelings of embarrassment. He or she may try to lose weight with little or no success.
Eating Disorders are Illnesses
Too often people with eating disorders are judged as making poor lifestyle choices, when in fact they are dealing with a serious mental disorder. They need support without judgment. At Monte Nido, we will help the individual challenge their eating disorder self, and uncover their healthy self. They do not see their healthy self inside trying to overcome their eating disorder.
