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

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)

EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL & SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES
BY ANONYMOUS ~

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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