Anorexia Nervosa: Biological Symptoms and Health Risks

Biological symptoms associated with anorexia nervosa include:

- Malnutrition: Anorexia nervosa can lead to malnutrition, which is a condition in which the body does not get the nutrients it needs to function properly. Malnutrition can cause a variety of health problems, including:

- Thinning of bones (osteopenia and osteoporosis)

- Anemia

- Muscle weakness

- Fatigue

- Constipation

- Dehydration

- Kidney problems

- Liver damage

- Heart problems

- Brain damage

- Reproductive problems

- Low body weight: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by low body weight, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5. Low body weight can be a sign of malnutrition and can also lead to a variety of health problems.

- Amenorrhea: Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation. Amenorrhea is a common symptom of anorexia nervosa, affecting 50-90% of individuals. Amenorrhea is caused by low body weight and malnutrition.

- Hypothermia: Hypothermia is a condition in which the body temperature is too low. Hypothermia is a common symptom of anorexia nervosa, affecting up to 40% of individuals. Hypothermia can be caused by low body weight and malnutrition.

- Bradycardia: Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart rate is too slow. Bradycardia is a common symptom of anorexia nervosa, affecting up to 30% of individuals. Bradycardia is caused by low body weight and malnutrition.

- Hypotension: Hypotension is a condition in which the blood pressure is too low. Hypotension is a common symptom of anorexia nervosa, affecting up to 20% of individuals. Hypotension is caused by low body weight and malnutrition.

- Lanugo: Lanugo is fine, downy hair that grows on the body. Lanugo is a common symptom of anorexia nervosa, affecting up to 50% of individuals. Lanugo is caused by malnutrition and can help the body to conserve heat.