Medical complications in eating disorders

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are complex conditions of psychiatric origin, potentially associated to multiorgan dysfunctions due to malnutrition, binging/purging behavior, and compulsive exercise. Medical consequences often complicate the course and prognosis of EDs, and even serious life-threatening events may occur. Therefore, an adequate diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in EDs requires the presence of experts in mental area as well as of experts in somatic area and in nutritional aspects, working together in a coordinate team. In the present chapter, the author will briefly describe the steps of a correct medical approach to a subject likely affected by an eating disorder. Afterward, the main somatic complications of anorexia and bulimia and eating disorder not otherwise specified will be reviewed, and some hints about the treatment will be given.