On Good America a couple of weeks ago, meteorologist Ginger Zee openly discussed her history with eating disorders.
BEING SENSITIVE AND AWARE
As a rheumatologist, I have encountered young men and women who have presented to me with a history of a fracture at an early age or have complaints of muscle aches, muscle weakness or atrophy. I try to always be sensitive and aware that anorexia or bulimia can
WHAT HAPPENS WITH EATING DISORDERS?
Females who have eating disorders develop malnourishment and the body responds to hormonal signals that are sent to compensate for
COMPLICATIONS OF ANOREXIA
It is important to recognize and discuss the complications from these disorders. Chronic anorexia can affect multiple organs in your body and lead to these things:
- Anemia
- Hair thinning
- Brittle hair and nails
- Kidney stones or failures
- Electrolyte imbalances with sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium
- Difficulty swallowing
- Constipation, abdominal pain and bloating
- Easy bruising
- Loss of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), problems getting pregnant
- Palpitations, Heart failure
- Low blood pressure (hypotension), slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Memory loss or brain fog, dizziness/fainting, Depression
- Weak muscles, swollen joints, bone pain
- Height loss, osteoporosis, fractures
Muscle wasting and atrophy can occur when the body doesn’t have the necessary vitamins, protein
COMPLICATIONS OF BULIMIA
Bulimia can cause:
- Depression, fear and anxiety over gaining weight, low self esteem
- Cavities, erosion of the enamel, gum disease
- Bad breath
- Swollen salivary glands (parotid gland enlargement)
- Gastric reflux/peptic ulcers
- Throat irritation or soreness
- Gastrointestinal bleeding from frequent vomiting
- Seizures from hypoglycemia
- Knuckle abrasion from vomiting
- Anemia
- Irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure and slow heart rate
- Irregular bowel movements and menstrual periods
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte loss (low potassium, magnesium, sodium)
SUMMARY
Individuals who have either disorder can have low self-esteem, anxiety and depression related to body image. Exercise addiction can be seen. Bone pain and fractures result from bone mineral deficiencies. Damage to the muscle and nerve from malnourishment can be detrimental.
Check out the diagram below:
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Physicians must do a thorough history and physical exam. It is so important to listen to each individual without judgement and be sensitive to clues in the history that points towards an eating disorder. Some tests to detect early bone loss, electrolyte abnormalities can include:
- DEXA scan (bone mineral density)
- Serum estradiol
- Calcitonin
- Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium levels
- Bone breakdown products
- Type 1 Collagen carboxy terminal propeptides
- Serum Type 1 collagen caroboxy terminal telopeptides
Thank you to all the brave individuals who have shared their stories and experiences about this important yet difficult topic. Although we don’t typically think about our bones and muscles until we are older, please recognize that eating disorders can affect the musculoskeletal system at an early age.
Disclaimer: This blog contains my personal opinion based on personal and clinical experience, tips from trainers, health coaches and lastly research. This blog does not endorse specific treatments, procedures, products. You should always consult with a doctor, nutritionist, or other healthcare professional to discuss your own health and lifestyle goals and regimen based on your medical history. Thank you for reading!