Anorexia Nervosa: Long-term Effects on Physical Health

My journey with anorexia nervosa spanned over three decades, significantly impacting my physical health. The prolonged restriction of food and malnutrition led to severe and lasting consequences that are etched in my body even decades after recovery.

Physical Impairments

The impact of anorexia nervosa on my physical health was profound. One of the most visible effects was my dental health. The severe malnutrition caused irreversible dental damage, resulting in the need for multiple dental bridges and caps. My hair also suffered, prematurely greying and becoming dry and brittle. Similarly, my skin and nails experienced a similar fate, lacking the vitality and resilience they once had. My physical appearance was further compromised as I aged prematurely, with wrinkles appearing before my time and bones that frequently ached, leading to arthritis.

Chronic Impact and Recovery

Despite my recovery, some effects of the eating disorder persist. For instance, after getting my teeth fixed, I no longer experience tooth decay. Nevertheless, I still bear the scars of my past, seeing the damage daily in the mirror. I am now 63, and while my hair has regrown luxuriously, it remains grey, a reminder of the years lost to anorexia. My nails and hair texture have improved, and I have become more outgoing, but the damage done in those early years is an unerasable part of my life.

Growth Stunted by Anorexia

Another often-overlooked consequence of anorexia nervosa is its impact on physical growth. Individuals who experience malnutrition during their teenage years may not reach their full growth potential. In some cases, this can result in a permanent mismatch between their adult body and proportionate physique, such as large feet and long legs that are more characteristic of a younger age group.

Visual Perceptions of Age

Even now, in my mid-60s, I find that I appear younger than my actual age. While I haven't reached the mid-40s, my friends and associates often guess my age to be between 34 and 35. Dr. Paul Kalanithi, a well-known neurosurgeon who survived lung cancer and wrote a memoir, observed that the impact of anorexia can be visually perceptible, making individuals look older than their actual age, particularly if they remain underweight. My own perceptions align with this, as I often feel like I am still aging prematurely.

Impaired Physical Appearance and Vitality

While anorexia nervosa can lead to temporary and reversible effects like hair falling out and nails becoming brittle, in more severe cases, it can cause permanent internal damage including infertility and organ issues. Based on my personal experiences and the observations of affected individuals I know, it's clear that anorexia can have a wide range of lasting effects, many of which are not reversible even after recovery.

In conclusion, the legacy of anorexia nervosa on one's physical health is a complex and multifaceted issue. From cosmetic changes, such as prematurely greying hair and brittle nails, to more serious health issues like dental and joint problems, the impact can be profound and persistent.

It is crucial to raise awareness about the long-term effects of eating disorders and to provide comprehensive support systems for those affected to not only recover from the immediate symptoms but also to address the lasting physical and psychological impacts.