The consequences of Pica vary greatly as the non-food items ingested by those afflicted with Pica vary in their ingestability and toxicity. Depedning on what is eaten (ex: ice), Pica may even be harmless. However, some common and severe consequences are listed below:

* Damage to teeth by ingested matter
* Blockage of the digestive tract by ingested matter
* Contraction of illness/disease from ingested matter
* Death from toxic ingested matter

Grinnell College

Pica is an eating disorder in which an individual compulsively consumes inedible items. The inedible items consumed vary by those with the disorder.

Pica

Eating disorders, particularly conditions like bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, are associated with a wide range of severe and adverse health consequences.

Adverse Health Consequences of Eating Disorders

Bulimia nervosa. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023, January 31). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa 

Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Pica. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22944-pica 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2018, May 5). Binge-eating disorder. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/binge-eating-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353627 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020a, October 14). Rumination syndrome. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rumination-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377330 

Meczekalski, B., Podfigurna-Stopa, A., & Katulski, K. (2013). Long-term consequences of anorexia nervosa. Maturitas, 75(3), 215–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.04.014

References for Eating Disorders: Consequences

Pica: Consequences

While ARFID is similar to Anorexia-Nervosa in that it involves heavy food restriction, those with ARFID do not intend to lose weight, nor are they anxious about their body size or shape. Therefore, the dramatic weight loss exhibited by the disorder is unintentional. Some other consequences of the disorder are:
* Malnutrition
* Loss of appetite
* Stomach cramping
* Lanugo
* Heart failure as a result of malnutrition
* Loss of menstrual cycle
* Abnormal lab results

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Consequences

Because Rumination Disorder is involuntary, it is difficult to prevent its consequences without receiving medical treatment. Some physical consequences of the disorder are:

* Malnutrition
* Unintended and/or unhealthy weight loss
* Bad breath
* Damage to teeth by regurgitated stomach acid 

Rumination Disorder: Consequences

Because binge eating disorder involves overconsumption of food, the consequences of binge eating disorder differ from other eating disorders, whose consequences occur due to lack of/restriction of food. Some possible consequences of binge eating disorder are:
* Obesity
* Type 2 Diabetes
* Heart disease
* Joint problems
* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Binge Eating Disorder: Consequences

Physical consequences of ARFID vary due to an individual's age. Common symptoms are:

-  Gastroenterological distress
- Inadequate or slowed growth
- Low weight
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain when eating
- Nutrient deficiencies

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Consequences

Bulimia nervosa is linked to numerous severe health problems. The compensatory behaviors associated with the disorder can lead to serious medical issues, including kidney failure, heart failure, and significant tooth decay.

Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa leads to numerous severe health problems, making it one of the most lethal mental disorders. Significant negative outcomes include bone loss, heart failure, kidney failure, amenorrhea (the cessation of menstruation), and reduced function of the gonads. In extreme cases, these complications can result in death.

Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa

Analyze the following clinical case. Based on the patient's symptoms, explain the likely underlying behaviors and the physiological mechanisms connecting those behaviors to each of the observed health issues.

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