Dana Bash should read this:
Effects of Anorexia:
•Cardiac disease –The most common cause of death in individuals who are suffering from severe cases of anorexia.
•Bradycardia – A dangerous slowing of the heart rate that results from self-starvation.
•Brain Damage – Brain scans of anorexic patients have noted changes in brain structure as well as abnormal activity in parts of the brain. Some of this damage is reversible once an individual resumes a healthy diet, but certain impairments appear to be permanent.
•Dehydration – Can lead to kidney failure, heart failure, seizure, brain damage and death.
•Depression – Physical weakening can exacerbate the body dissatisfaction and self-loathing that are often at the core of anorexia cases. Suicide is believed to be responsible for as many as 50 percent of all anorexia-related deaths.
•Hyponatremia – The opposite of dehydration, drinking too much water can cause fluid in the lungs, brain swelling, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and death.
•Muscle Atrophy – A body that is deprived of essential nutrients will begin feeding on itself, depleting muscle mass (including heart tissue) in the process.
