People with eating disorders often feel unwell both physically and mentally. But anorectics sometimes feel high in the beginning.

The mental effect may reduce the quality of life. Feelings of inadequacy, reduced capacity for work and relational problems are common. Anorexia may cause constipation, increased sensitivity to infections, stomach ache, very low pulse, anaemia, kidney damage, cardiovascular disorders and shortage of skeletal calcium.

Self-induced vomiting may cause dental damage, shortage of minerals and enlarged salivary glands. Use of laxatives may harm the stomach's normal functions. Stomach ulcers and dangerous heart rhythm problems are rarer side effects.

Eating disorders may develop in various ways. Some patients recover while others have periodic relapses. Anorexia and bulimia are often chronic illnesses that don't heal automatically but require treatment and hard work by the patients themselves.