Help and Advice relating to Eating Disorders
What are some of the dangers of eating disorders?
Eating disorders are serious medical conditions associated with devastating physical and psychological consequences. In fact, individuals with eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness. Malnutrition, severe weight loss and overall abuse of the body through chaotic food intake and purging behaviors including excessive exercise can damage vital organs and organ systems, including but not limited to the brain, heart, GI tract and bones, so much so that the damage can be fatal. Fortunately, much of the damage incurred by an eating disorder can gradually be corrected and healed with proper nutrition, psychological treatment, and careful medical monitoring. Of course, it is critical that intervention occur earlier on in the course of the illness before any damage becomes irreversible or fatal.