Anorexia Nervosa often arises from a combination of genetic vulnerability, psychological factors, and environmental stressors. For many, extreme food restriction is a response to feelings of anxiety, fear, or a sense of being out of control. The emotional distress behind anorexia may feel unbearable, and restricting food may seem like a way to regain control or numb overwhelming emotions. However, this coping mechanism carries significant medical risks.
One of the most dangerous risks is refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when someone who has been severely malnourished begins to reintroduce food. The body’s metabolic processes struggle to adjust to the sudden influx of nutrients, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances, cardiac arrhythmias, organ failure, and even death. This is why it is crucial to work with a Registered Dietitian who specializes in eating disorders to support refeeding that supports your body’s needs while minimizing the risk of triggering these dangerous complications.
Other Medical Risks include:
Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake can lead to muscle wasting, weakness, and fatigue due to lack of essential nutrients.
Bone Health: Chronic restriction can cause osteoporosis, bone fractures, and long-term bone density loss.
Cardiovascular Complications: Severe restriction can lead to bradycardia (slow heart rate) and low blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure.
Cognitive Impairment: Malnutrition impacts the brain, affecting cognitive function, concentration, and decision-making.
Atypical anorexia nervosa is a subtype of anorexia where individuals experience symptoms such as severe food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image—but may not appear underweight. This condition can be just as dangerous as anorexia nervosa and often goes underrecognized because weight may be within a “normal” range. It’s important to recognize that anyone at any weight can suffer from anorexia.
The distress that leads to restrictive eating is just as real, and often exacerbated by genetics, cultural influences, and social pressures. Atypical anorexia also carries serious medical risks almost identical to traditional anorexia, including, under some conditions, the risk of refeeding syndrome if nutritional intake is introduced too quickly.
Medical Risks for Atypical Anorexia include:
Nutritional deficiencies leading to fatigue, muscle loss, and a weakened immune system.
Hormonal imbalances resulting in menstrual irregularities, bone loss, and fertility issues.
Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to heart complications.
Psychological strain that perpetuates anxiety and a preoccupation with food.