How Starvation Affects the Body
Body Area Affected | Effects |
|---|---|
Digestive system | Decreased production of stomach acid Shrinking of the stomach Frequent, often fatal diarrhea |
Cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) | Reduced heart size, reduced amount of blood pumped, slow heart rate, and low blood pressure Ultimately, heart failure |
Respiratory system | Slow breathing and reduced lung capacity Ultimately, respiratory failure |
Reproductive system | Reduced size of the ovaries and testes Loss of sex drive (libido) Cessation of menstrual periods |
Nervous system | Apathy and irritability In children, sometimes intellectual disability Impaired mental function, particularly in older adults Numbness or tingling, particularly in the feet and hands |
Muscles | Reduced muscle size and strength, impairing the ability to exercise or work |
Blood | |
Metabolism (processes the body uses to convert food into energy or to synthesize needed substances) | Low body temperature (hypothermia) Accumulation of fluid in the arms, legs, and abdomen Disappearance of fat |
Skin and hair | Thin, dry, inelastic skin Dry, sparse hair that falls out easily A tendency to bruise easily |
Immune system | Impaired ability to fight infections and repair wounds |