Anorexia and Bulimia are very dangerous eating disorders and there are harmful effects that can be permanent. It's important that you understand what you're getting yourself into. This isn't a game, this isn't something you can just do. Just like becoming a veggetarian, you need to do indepth research on the subject, identify your reasons, understand the importance of your decision and then be sure you completely understand what it is that you need to do in order to stay healthy.
You can't just wake up one day and decide to be anorexic or bulimia without understanding how important it is that you do it right. Some of these effects you will not be able to avoid and others you can. I personally strongly discourage bulimia because the effects that it has had on my life and my body are too great and I do not want anyone else to go through it, I don't believe it's worth it.
Read, understand, and do whatever it is you need to do to avoid as many of these effects that you can.
Effects of Bulimia:
~ An imbalance in electrolytes;
~ Inflammation of the esophagus;
~ Different types of problems with teeth and gums;
~ Chronic irregular bowel movements due to abusing laxatives;
~ Ulcers
~ Feelings of shame and guilt;
~ Depression Symptoms;
~ Low self-esteem;
~ Damaged family and social relationships.
Effects of Anorexia (most of these also apply to bulimia):
- Cardiac Problems—irregular heartbeat
- Gastrointestinal disorders—risk of internal bleeding, ulcers, gastritis, and constipation
Amenorrhea—due to decreased estrogen production, which causes females to cease ovulation and mentration
Anemia—a blood disorder characterized by either a decrease in the number of red cells, or a reduction in hemoglobin; the body's ability to carry oxygen from the lungs so its tissues is reduced; often caused by an iron deficiancy
bingeing—an effect of starvation
bruising
decreased testicular function in men—some studies reveal a decrease in testosterone and certain male hormones
dental decay and discoloration
depressed immune system
dizziness
dry skin; brittle hair and nails
edema—water retention, most commonly in the ankles and feet
endocrine abnormalities
fainting
high cholesterol—an effect of starvation, not necessarily warranting a low cholesterol diet
hyperactivity
hypoglycemia
increased risk of osteoporosis—bones lose density and fracture easily
insomnia
ketosis—the excessive accumultion of ketone bodies in the blood and urine, which is indicative of the body digesting its fat stores as a sole source of energy
kidney damage/failure—usually due to dehydration; many be worsened by the use of diuretics
lanugo—the growth of fine hair on the body, which is the body's attempt to keep itself warm when fat stores are depleted
liver damage—a condition that is usually irreparable
loss of hair on the head
low blood pressure
low body temperature—causes anorexics to feel cold
muscle cramps and weakness—usually due to electrolyte imbalances
pancreatitis—the painful swelling of the pancreas evidenced by severe abdominal pain, distention, and fever
sensitivity to light and sound
yellow skin—also called hypercarotinemia