Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that affects mostly girls and women with the majority in their teens and early twenties when it develops. With strong therapy and long-term programs many of these girls have a chance of recovering from this psychological disorder that drives them to become thinner and thinner while not recognizing the effects on their bodies or having a strong realistic view of their body image.

There are many after effects of anorexia that they may experience. Since growth and development of the bones and muscles happen throughout adolescence there may be serious long-term damage to the bone structures. It’s been estimated that osteopenia (low bone mass) happens in 90% of all patients with anorexia nervosa and 40% will suffer from osteoporosis.

Boys who are affected by anorexia nervosa may also suffer from stunted growth. Oftentimes boys are misdiagnosed since the majority of the people with anorexia are women. Delay in treatment of these boys can lead to greater issues with osteopenia from lack of calcium in the diet, poor weight gain, and short stature.

After diagnosis and treatment of anorexia many women continue to have difficulty with ovulation and menstruation. After several years of returning to a normal weight and normal eating patterns many will regain normal fertility.

Women with anorexia can suffer from neurological damage from the lack of nutrition. The heart and other organs are at risk for abnormalities. Electrolyte imbalances are not uncommon as well as anemia from the lack of nutrition. Long-term mood swings and psychological issues such as depression are not uncommon.