EVERY EATING DISORDER is harmful to the body. Whether a person struggles from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or a borderline disorder, the physical effects are potentially dangerous. And as an eating disorder intensifies, the health consequences become increasingly severe. Despite the gravity of the consequences, however, one common feature of eating disorders is that their physical symptoms may not become obvious to family and friends until the victim's health has already begun to deteriorate to dangerous levels.

The effects of anorexia: Starving the body

Because anorexia is a form of self-starvation, the body reacts to the condition in predictable ways: Like any malnourished person, an anorexic experiences weakness, dizziness, and possibly even fainting. For an anorexic who exercises excessively, the physical impact is even worse. The body is already in a weakened condition from inadequate food intake...