Anorexia is a disastrous way to start out in life as it will affect all aspects of the young person’s future - physical, psychological and social. If your adolescent son or daughter is suffering from anorexia, consult Ellern Mede Eating Disorder Services today.

1. SIDE EFFECTS OF
ANOREXIA NERVOSA ON
TEENAGERS

2. Starvation, over-exercising and an unhealthy attitude
towards body image will, as you can imagine, have numerous
side effects on younger anorexics. If your teenage son or
daughter is suffering from anorexia, you must seek eating
disorder treatment in London immediately to prevent the
complications and life-long health problems which could
arise from this eating disorder.

3. Although being young means the sufferers are still growing, a
false perception of their body image will force them to lose
weight even if they are already severely underweight. This is
especially tragic for the young. During adolescence, the body
needs plenty of food to grow and reach adulthood, but
anorexics will experience unnatural side effects during this
phase of development. Here are some of the most common
side effects of anorexia on young adults:

4. Women will not gain a normal and regular menstrual cycle,
which could lead to serious problems later in life regarding
pregnancy.
There can also be a loss of brain tissue and muscle tissue.
Young people typically have the energy to be active, taking up
sports and outdoor activities. That said, an energetic lifestyle
does not fit in with deteriorating muscles. Not only that, but the
brain is constantly being tested during school, through exams
and homework. Anorexia causes brain tissue to atrophy, so a
normal education will prove difficult, not to forget the serious
long-term complications arising from failure at school.

5. All sufferers of anorexia will experience over-exhaustion as the body
simply won’t be able to function properly without enough food. It is like
trying to run a car without any gas; it will just stop. As the body shuts
down, the anorexic will experience lethargy and drowsiness. Day to day
activities will become a chore and working - whether at school or in a
job - will become ever more difficult.
Low blood pressure is another side effect of the disorder from
undernourishment and the ensuing lack of sleep, both causing the body
to be in a state of shock. Concentration is severely affected, due to the
mind being overcome with tiredness and hunger.

6. Other physical side effects can be the sign of deeper internal complications.
Brittle yellow nails are a sign of kidney problems brought about by
dehydration. And a lack of essential minerals such as sodium and potassium
bring rise to heart problems.
Physical appearance will also deteriorate. Although the individual thinks they
are working towards a ‘perfect’ body by losing weight, the reality is they are
creating a frail and unhealthy body. Hair that falls out, pallid skin, discoloured
nails and swelling arms and legs are some obvious side effects to name a few.
Anorexics will work at hiding these physical side effects, but the psychological
complications and internal side effects are long-lasting without any treatment.

7. Social problems can also occur, as sufferers tend to judge others negatively
who do not share the same distorted view of body image. This can lead to
social exclusion resulting in a deeper depression.
Anorexia is a disastrous way to start out in life as it will affect all aspects of the
young person’s future - physical, psychological and social. If your adolescent son
or daughter is suffering from anorexia, consult Ellern Mede Eating Disorder
Services today. As one of the UK’s leading providers of intensive outpatient and
inpatient eating disorder treatment for young people, they will be able to help
your child overcome the negative impact of anorexia and improve their quality of
life.