Eating Disorder fX
Our bodies are the machines that keep us functioning and dancers are particularly reliant upon this machinery. The physical consequences of anorexia and bulimia are very serious and can disrupt and damage the way in which our bodies operate. Developing an eating disorder during puberty (usually occurring between the ages of 10 and 17) can be doubly problematic as at this stage we undergo many changes that physically transform us from childhood to adulthood. If these changes are disrupted the effects can be long lasting.

Of greatest concern is that the starvation associated with anorexia may result in organ failure and ultimately death. Bulimics can have heart attacks induced by severe electrolyte imbalance, which occurs when the minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) in blood become dangerously low. In the case of bulimia there are often no warning signs, with patients appearing healthy even immediately before going into cardiac arrest (which often occurs during the night when the sufferer is asleep). Another mineral, iron, may become dangerously low leading to severe anemia.

Eating disorders can produce disturbed hormone levels leading to amenorrhoea (cessation of periods) in females. This is caused by a depletion of the hormone estrogen, without which the human body is incapable of absorbing calcium. Without calcium osteoporosis, a decrease in bone density, will occur. This leads to the increased probability of fractures and stress fractures, injuries that are detrimental to dancers. It may also induce osteoarthritis an incredibly painful, often debilitating condition. Broken bones often mean months away from the studio and as such dancers need to make sure that their diets allow them to maintain enough body fat to keep their estrogen levels within the normal range. Hormonal imbalances can also lead to irreversible infertility, which means that in later life, having a baby may not be possible.

Other less serious but still unpleasant side effects include hair loss sometimes so extreme that large patches on the head are bald. When someone has severely low body weight it is hard to maintain temperature and the body will compensate by growing a downy coat of hair called lanugo to help keep it warm. Hormonal imbalances caused by lack of estrogen can lead to thicker darker hair growing on the face and back. This is very embarrassing for young girls, particularly dancers who are often exposed in leotards. Anorexics can also suffer from edema or water retention which results in swollen faces, hands and tummies.

Swollen salivary glands (puffy cheeks) and hoarse voices result from frequent forced vomiting, the chronic symptom of bulimia. This can also cause blistering, tearing and bleeding of the throat and esophagus. Sufferers sometimes need emergency treatment as they can completely rupture their esophagus with their fingers leading to life threatening hemorrhaging. Trauma to the esophagus can also cause involuntary reflux, or uncontrollable vomiting. Constant bruising and damage to this area have been found to increase the likelihood of developing cancer of the esophagus and throat. Bulimia may lead to a condition that causes digestive organs like the pancreas to swell. Gastric ulcers that are painful and dangerous can result.

Frequent vomiting often means serious tooth decay as stomach acids erode the enamel layer of teeth. Not only do teeth become severely discolored, sufferers are also likely to have halitosis or bad breath (a condition that is difficult to control in bulimics). Bulimics often have soft discolored nails and their fingers and knuckles are frequently scarred from being rubbed against their teeth during the purging process.

What often begins as an attempt to increase aesthetic appeal leads to some very unpleasant and sometimes fatal side effects. We are all familiar with the stories of successful and famous people who have died as a result of eating disorders, but what of the young, talented individuals whose lives are cut short before they have the chance to show the world their ability? Could you or someone you know become one of these nameless statistics? If you are suffering from an eating disorder or feel that you may develop one, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Many of these side effects are avoidable or with appropriate treatment are reversible. The longer they are left untreated the more serious and dangerous they become.

Laxatives
Laxatives are medications designed to relieve the symptoms of constipation. They are intended to be taken occasionally and only in small doses. Eating disorder sufferers frequently abuse laxatives believing these medications will cause weight loss. This is completely false as by the time a laxative takes effect all the caloric content of food has been absorbed. All laxatives do is reduce fluid levels within the body by inducing severe diarrhea. This will cause a temporary reduction in weight but it is very dangerous as it leads to dehydration. Laxative abuse can also contribute to electrolyte imbalance, one of the leading causes of cardiac arrest (heart attack) in young people.

Long term laxative abuse will result in bowel and colon problems. Once the colon no longer functions properly it is very difficult to regulate bowel movements. Long periods of constipation followed by the sudden uncontrollable onset of diarrhea are common. These problems have also been linked to the development of colon cancer.

Emetics
Emetics like Epicac syrup are designed to be used in cases of accidental poisoning, particularly in children. Bulimics abuse them to assist in purging. They are very dangerous causing severe potassium imbalances leading to heart and kidney failure and sudden death from cardiac arrest.

Diuretics
Diuretics are tablets designed to reduce fluid in people who suffer from fluid retention. Anorexics and bulimics abuse them in order to achieve temporary weight loss. Diuretic abuse, as well as causing dehydration, can lead to fluid retention and weight gain. The body in an attempt to adjust to the effects of diuretics will retain water. Abusing this type of medication can also lead to dizzy spells and fainting.