The dangers and signs of both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

 Here's a combined overview of the dangers and signs of both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, since these often overlap or shift between one another in the same individual (called "diagnostic crossover").

🔥 DANGERS AND SIGNS OF ANOREXIA & BULIMIA

🔎 What They Are

🥶 Anorexia Nervosa

> Restriction of caloric intake leading to significantly low body weight, with an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.

🔁 Bulimia Nervosa

> Recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating large amounts in a short time with a feeling of loss of control), followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, fasting, or excessive exercise.

Both disorders stem from deep psychological roots and involve distorted body perception, control mechanisms, and often co-occur with anxiety, depression, or trauma.

⚠️ SHARED DANGERS (Anorexia & Bulimia)

Electrolyte imbalances → risk of heart arrhythmia or cardiac arrest

Severe dehydration

Gastrointestinal damage

Hormonal dysfunction (e.g., thyroid suppression, amenorrhea)

Loss of bone density → osteoporosis

Suicidality and self-harm tendencies

Cognitive decline, depression, and obsessive thinking

Malnutrition → muscle loss, organ failure

🧠 Psychological & Behavioral Signs

Symptom Anorexia Bulimia

Intense fear of weight gain ✅ ✅

Body dysmorphia ✅ ✅

Secretive behavior around food ✅ ✅

Over-exercising ✅ ✅

Extreme perfectionism/control ✅ ✅

Social withdrawal ✅ ✅

Mood swings/anxiety/depression ✅ ✅

Binge eating 🚫 ✅

Self-induced vomiting 🚫 (less common) ✅ (core behavior)

Laxative/diuretic abuse 🚫 (rare) ✅ (more common)

Fluctuating weight 🚫 (usually underweight) ✅ (often normal or overweight)

🩺 Specific Physical Dangers

🥶 Anorexia-Specific

Starvation symptoms: hair loss, dry skin, lanugo

Bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypothermia

Amenorrhea (menstrual loss)

Shrinking brain volume, low blood sugar

🤢 Bulimia-Specific

Tooth enamel erosion, dental caries

Swollen parotid glands (chipmunk cheeks)

Calluses on knuckles (Russell’s sign from purging)

Acid reflux, esophageal tears (Mallory-Weiss syndrome)

Severe constipation or diarrhea (from laxative abuse)

Dehydration and potassium loss → sudden death

🆘 When to Seek Help

Preoccupation with food, weight, and dieting dominates daily life

Engaging in purging, bingeing, or fasting cycles

Persistent guilt/shame after eating

Physical signs of deterioration (fainting, weakness, hair thinning)

Loss of menstrual cycle, sexual dysfunction

Isolation and decline in mental or emotional stability

🛠️ Treatment Options

Medical stabilization (especially electrolytes, cardiac monitoring)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E) – gold standard for both

Nutritional therapy and meal planning

Family-Based Therapy (FBT) – especially for teens

Group support or 12-step style programs (e.g., Eating Disorders Anonymous)

Sometimes antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine for bulimia)

❤️ Final Note:

Both anorexia and bulimia are deadly if untreated, but highly treatable with the right support. Early intervention saves lives. If you or someone you know is struggling, speak up. Silence keeps you sick. Healing comes with connection.