CONSEQUENCES OF EATING DISORDERS

CONSEQUENCES OF EATING DISORDERS
Eating disorders often have serious psychological
and medical consequences. Most bodily systems are
165
Eaffected by starvation, and cardiac, gastrointestinal,
and electrolyte disturbances can result. Clinical depres-
sion  and anxiety disorders commonly co-occur with
eating disorders.
It has been estimated that 20% to 30% of over-
weight persons seeking help at weight-loss programs
are classified as binge eaters. Because binge eating is
highly associated with obesity, numerous health
issues result among patients who engage in it. The
consequences of eating disturbances need to be taken
seriously, given that obesity increases one’s risk of
developing conditions such as high blood pressure,
diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gall bladder disease,
and cancer of the breast, prostate, and colon. Without
treatment, up to 20% of people with serious eating
disorders die, and with treatment, that number falls to
2% or 3%