Table 7.

Consequences of eating disorders

Short term

• Sinus bradycardia; T wave inversions; ST segment depression; prolonged corrected QT interval; dysrhythmias with supraventricular beats and ventricular tachycardia

• Slowed gastrointestinal motility and constipation; abnormal results on liver function tests; superior mesenteric artery syndrome

• Raised blood urea nitrogen concentration with increased risk of renal stones

• Leucopenia; anaemia; iron deficiency; thrombocytopenia

• Sick euthyroid syndrome; amenorrhoea

Long term

• Pubertal delay or arrest

• Growth retardation and short stature

• Impairment of bone mineral acquisition, leading to osteopenia or osteoporosis

• Psychological sequelae—for example, anxiety and depression