Anorexia also has many negative effects. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center's article on eating disorders, “Anorexia nervosa may increase the risk of serious health problems such as: hormonal changes including reproductive, thyroid, stress and growth hormones, heart problems such as rhythm abnormal heart rate, electrolyte imbalance, fertility problems, loss of bone density, anemia and neurological problems.” Anorexia can severely affect a person internally. The continued lack of nutrients can leave an anorexic person extremely fragile. The heart in particular can become so weak that it causes heart failure. Eating disorders can cause permanent health damage that can accompany a person for the rest of their life. Considering that without adequate nutrients the body becomes very weak mentally, it is safe to say that you are more susceptible to diseases. Researchers are still working to discover other diseases and conditions related to eating disorders. According to the article Leukemia Linked to Eating Disorders, “The prevalence of leukemia among patients with eating disorders appears higher than that of the general population. We do not suggest that there is a specific relationship between one type of eating disorder and one type of leukemia, but a prolonged state of malnutrition can affect general systems such as the immune system” (830-831). Although there is no direct correlation between eating disorders and leukemia, a lack of nutrients can lead to malnutrition. When the body is weak, the immune system also becomes weak. A person is therefore more vulnerable to disease, or in this case leukemia. One of the main external factors in the development of an eating disorder is the media. The media objectifies both men and women through... middle of paper... right away, then it would be much easier for the person to get help from a professional. There are countless health problems that an eating disorder can lead to. However; if caught in time, professional assistance can help a person overcome a disorder. I personally feel involved in this topic because my best friend developed an eating disorder. It was hard for me to understand how much he hated the way he looked. I watched his weight drop to an unhealthy size in a matter of months. Thankfully, with the help of therapy, she has since been able to overcome it. Learning the signs and characteristics of an eating disorder can help identify individuals at risk. If you suspect that someone you know may have an eating disorder, it's important to talk to them about it. The results of early diagnosis of eating disorders could mean the difference between life and death.