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
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