ABSTRACT
Objectives of review. The aim of this review was to examine research on medical complications of eating disorders (EDs) published primarily during the period 2004–2005.
Summary of recent findings. Six areas (skeletal, reproductive, cardiovascular, brain, gastrointestinal and hormonal disturbances) were identified as having important new published information. Osteoporosis has now been identified in up to 50% of a large community sample with EDs. There remains no effective medication treatment for this complication. Increasing evidence points to the significant risk of perinatal and postnatal complications in women with a history of an ED. Cardiac disturbances are prevalent in women with AN and BN and are the commonest cause of death in AN. The clinical significance of the structural and functional brain changes seen in patients with EDs remains unclear. Newly identified disturbances in gastric functioning may help elucidate the pathophysiology of BN. Neuropeptides such as ghrelin and hormones such as leptin are now known to be abnormal in AN and BN.
Future Directions. Future research needs to focus on understanding more clearly the clinical significance and pathophysiology of the medical complications associated with EDs and on developing more effective treatments for these.
