Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder that affects more than 10 million men and women each year. It causes individuals to have an unhealthy body image and always see themselves as overweight, even when they are starving themselves. The long-term effects of anorexia can produce serious physical and psychological complications and death if not properly treated. For those who are struggling with this treatable illness, enrolling in an anorexia treatment center can stop the self-abuse before it’s too late.
At Crestview Recovery, we help men and women from all walks of life who are struggling with anorexia or other mental health disorders at our accredited treatment facility. Our team can teach individuals healthy coping skills and eating habits that will improve their physical and mental health. Clients will participate in group and private therapy sessions in a discreet setting that is ideal for healing and growing. For more information about our anorexia treatment program and the side effects of anorexia, fill out our online form or call 866.262.0531 today to speak with our knowledgeable team.
How Anorexia Affects the Body
Anorexia is a complex mental health illness where people develop an unhealthy body image and always see themselves as overweight. They meticulously count every calorie and often exercise to the point of exhaustion out of fear of gaining weight or looking unhealthy. While many people see this as a physical illness, this is a disease of the mind.
Our society has a dangerous perception of what healthy is. As a result, many children grow up believing they have to fit a certain body type to be accepted. This can then lead to depression, poor nutrition, and unhealthy eating habits like binging and purging. Other side effects of anorexia include:
- Nutrition deficiency
- Hair loss
- Yellowish skin tone
- Fear of certain foods
- Extreme weight loss
- Fatigue
- Cognitive decline
- Gum disease and tooth decay
If left untreated, anorexia can lead to serious malnutrition. In fact, it can cause a person to be fatigued and more susceptible to disease as their immune system is compromised. At Crestview Recovery, our team is well aware of how anorexia affects the body and mind. We work closely with each client to develop a tailored treatment program that addresses all aspects of their condition. Throughout the program, clients will work with counselors to change unhealthy ways of thinking and learn how to prepare healthy and nutritious meals.
The Long-Term Effects of Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is a dangerous disorder that causes significant physical harm to your body and mind. In fact, your body needs a steady supply of nutrients and minerals to survive. Without them, individuals will experience a wide range of health complications. Just some of the long-term effects of anorexia include:
Gastrointestinal Effects
Your digestive system will be the most affected by anorexia, which can lead to problems with swallowing, constipation, and gastroparesis. Other complications include pancreatitis, liver failure, diarrhea, and small bowel obstructions.
Muscular and Skeletal Effects
A lack of nutrition will cause muscle loss and a decrease in bone density. Because you aren’t getting enough nutrition, your body will begin breaking down your bones to get the calcium it needs. If you don’t eat enough, your body will begin eating itself.
Cardiovascular Effects
Anorexia will weaken the heart muscle and lead to low blood pressure and heart failure. Other heart issues that can then develop include:
- Arrhythmia
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Bradycardia
- Myocardial atrophy
- Sudden death
Effects on Kidneys
The kidneys are very important for your health and well-being and help balance electrolytes and fluids. Anorexia can severely damage the kidneys and cause acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, hypokalemia, and hyponatremia.
Find Anorexia Treatment at Crestview Recovery in Portland
Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of other mental health disorders as it has a significant effect on a person’s physical health. During therapy, clients will learn healthy eating habits that can restore their immune system, rebuild muscle mass, and give them healthy and beautiful skin, hair, and teeth.
At Crestview Recovery, we welcome all Portland residents 18 and over who are struggling with anorexia, PTSD, panic disorders, or other mental health illnesses. Our full-service treatment center combines behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication-assisted treatments that give our clients the skills and confidence they need to make a healthy change. They learn new ways to cope with their feelings. In addition, they discover how to take better care of their physical and mental health.
Don’t wait any longer to seek treatment. Call 866.262.0531 today if you are struggling with anorexia nervosa and ready to accept help from our compassionate team.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
