The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full. -- John 10:10

Regardless as to exactly why some people fall victim to eating disorders, there is no denying the long-term effects. Overeating, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa are diseases and are recognized as such among the medical community. Like all diseases, they are progressive and considered fatal, 100% of the time. If left unchecked the result is death, either from an heart attack or a medical condition brought on by continued neglect of the problem. Along the way, there will probably be numerous and unpleasant, chronic side effects.

Eating disorders involve abusing the body either by starvation, overeating or vomiting (purging). This abuse may have long-lasting consequences on your health. No matter what disorder or behaviors you are struggling with, they all can lead to death.

Vomiting (Purging)
· Nutrient deficiencies
· Weakened immune system
· Erratic periods
· Headaches
· Dizziness
· Weakness, lethargy
· Tooth enamel erosion, cavities
· Gum recession
· Acid reflux
· Esophageal tears
· Chronic sore throat
· Blood shot eyes / ruptured vessels
· Dehydration
· Constipation
· Bloating
· Swollen glands
· Abrasions & scars on hands
· Liver & kidney damage
· Epileptic fits
· Electrolyte imbalance - irregular heartbeat - cardiac arrest
· Death

Laxatives
· Persistent stomach cramps
· Swollen hands and feet
· Damage to bowels leading to long-term constipation (dependency) or removal of colon (requiring a colostomy bag)
· Dehydration
· Electrolyte imbalance - irregular heartbeat - heart attack
· Death

There are also risks associated with use of the following:

· Diuretics
· Stimulants & appetite suppressants
· Excessive exercise
· Emitics (substances which force vomiting)

The consequences of my eating disorder have devastated me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Physically I have lost my period while I was starving myself and became emaciated. This hurts my ability to have children, it also means I'm more likely to have an early onset of osteoporosis now. I also grew a fine layer of hair (lanugo) on my face, back, stomach and arms and legs. I was cold and weak all the time. My muscles were wasting away and my teeth were rotting. I was dehydrated. From purging up to 10 times a day I tore my esophagus several times. My throat was always sore. My face would swell and salivary glands would swell too. I would feel faint and dizzy.

My hair would fall out in clumps. I would bruise easy. My skin was also dry and chafed. I'll have abdominal pain from bloating and then from constipation. When getting a cold it would take me twice as long to get better then the average person. I couldn't sleep. I have insomnia. From abusing my body and taking diet pills, laxatives, and diuretics and even ipecac it caused strain on my heart. I would have heart palpations. I was basically dying. Emotionally I was depressed. I became withdrawn and isolated. I began to fear foods. I became paranoid and heard things. At times I would have mood swings and become irritably. Panic attacks and severe anxiety hit me everyday. I had difficulty with relationships.

I self-inflicted pain and would cut myself. My thoughts would race and Ill have obsessive thinking. I became both impulsive and indecisive at times. I felt self-hate and shame all the time. My self-esteem was low. I had a strong need for others approval. I had no real sense of myself. I was spiritually damaged, my own self-hate consumed me 24 hours a day and there was no room for enlightenment.

I have lost friends. I have lost peoples trust. I lost confidence, dignity and pride in myself. Most of all I lost time. Something I can never get back. When I should have been going out with friends, to clubs, to parties, taking exams and going to college. Instead I was locked in a cage full of lies and pain. I lost my own sense of self worth. My eating disorder and depression has taken so much away from me. I gave and it took. The only thing I gained was more self-hate in return.

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