Understanding Anorexia through its 10 Symptoms

6. Bowel Problems

Eating disorder patients commonly complain of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation. All disordered eating behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, and food restriction are bound to have negative effects on the digestive system. All these behaviors can damage the bowel muscle and nerve endings. This may eventually result in permanent constipation and, sometimes, abdominal pains. Chronic under-eating also causes the muscles of the small and large intestine to shrink; that's why people with anorexia often experience stomach aches, bloating, and acid reflux. Reduced organ size and production of enzymes lead to the food sitting in the organs for much longer than normal.