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NEDA TOOLKIT for Educators Medical problems that can arise from specific eating disorders Although the following medical complaints may not all affect an individual at once, they are further signs that a student may be suffering from an eating disorder and is in a compromised medical state. Anorexia Nervosa • Heart failure (can be caused by slow heart rate and low blood pressure; the use of drugs to stimulate vomiting, bowel movements, or urination; or starvation, which can also lead to brain damage) • Brittle hair and nails; dry skin (skin may dry out and become yellow, and the affected person can develop a covering of soft hair called lanugo) • Mild anemia • Swollen joints • Reduced muscle mass • Long-term constipation • Osteoporosis Binge Eating Disorder • • • • • • • High blood pressure High cholesterol Fatigue Joint pain Type II diabetes Gallbladder disease Heart disease Bulimia Nervosa • Erosion of tooth enamel from the acid produced by vomiting • Inflammation of the esophagus (the tube in the throat through which food passes to the stomach) • Enlarged glands near the cheeks (giving the appearance of swollen cheeks) • Stomach damage from frequent vomiting • Irregular heartbeat • Heart failure • Electrolyte imbalances (loss of important minerals like potassium) that can lead to sudden death • Peptic ulcers • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas, which is a large gland that aids digestion) • Long-term constipation Page  | 14