from a physiological point of view how do eating disorders change your life health problems. I know they have low self esteem and want to be thin like they don't feel their pretty enough but what else?
First, you need to get your terms clear:
Look up the following words
http://www.onelook.com/
physiological
psychological
Then, do some reading here...
http://web4health.info/en/answers/ed-psy-versus-normal.htm
From a physiological point of view, eating disorders can have several significant impacts on a person's health. These disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, can affect various bodily systems and lead to serious health problems. Here are some of the physiological changes and health issues that can arise due to eating disorders:
1. Malnutrition: Restrictive eating patterns, excessive exercising, or purging behaviors can all result in inadequate nutrient intake, leading to malnutrition. This can cause deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats, impacting the overall functioning of the body.
2. Weight fluctuations: Depending on the type of eating disorder, individuals may experience rapid weight loss, weight gain, or weight fluctuations. These sudden changes can strain the body and disrupt its natural balance.
3. Hormonal imbalances: Eating disorders can disrupt normal hormonal functioning, affecting the menstrual cycle in women. Irregular or absent periods, known as amenorrhea, may occur due to low body weight, excessive exercise, or both. Hormonal imbalances can also lead to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
4. Cardiovascular complications: Severe calorie restriction or extreme weight loss can weaken the heart muscle, resulting in low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, fainting, and, in extreme cases, heart failure. Electrolyte imbalances caused by purging behaviors (as in bulimia nervosa) can further exacerbate cardiac issues.
5. Gastrointestinal problems: Binge eating followed by purging (as in bulimia nervosa) can cause inflammation or tears in the esophagus, tooth decay from stomach acid exposure, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues are common among individuals with eating disorders.
6. Neurological complications: Malnutrition can affect brain function, leading to cognitive impairments, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes. Electrolyte imbalances can also cause neurological symptoms like seizures.
7. Metabolic disturbances: Eating disorders can disrupt the metabolic rate, slowing it down as the body tries to conserve energy. This slow metabolism can make weight restoration and maintenance challenging even after recovery. As a result, individuals may experience difficulty in regulating their weight even when consuming normal amounts of food.
It is important to keep in mind that the impact of eating disorders on physical health can vary depending on the severity, duration, and specific behaviors associated with the disorder. Seeking professional help, such as from medical professionals, therapists, or dietitians who specialize in eating disorders, is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and support.