Depriving your body of food prevents it from working. Anorexics don’t get enough nutrition, vitamins and minerals. That means their kidneys can stop working. They can end up with severe infections, go blind and even have heart attacks.

Binging and vomiting also deprive the body of nutrients. This can cause problems with the lining of the stomach and increase the risks for certain types of cancer.

People with eating disorders also often lose their hair, have brittle nails, low blood pressure, sleeping problems and serious stomach problems, along with other physical ailments.

People with eating disorders often become depressed. They withdraw from family, friends and school activities. The depression can make the eating disorder worse. Some people with eating disorders get so depressed they try to kill themselves.

If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, please click here for helpful resources. Also, talk with a trusted adult—a parent, teacher, school counselor, coach, neighbor, or another relative, for example.