Eating disorder among women can cause failed conception: Experts

New Delhi, Aug 6 (UNI) Women suffering from eating disorders Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are at high risk of having failed conception.

According to an expert eating disorders in under weight as well as obese women may cause infertility.

Eating disorders as a cause for infertility are not addressed as often as other causes and are often overlooked.

The disorders can result in both obesity and gross underweight.

And lack of awareness about the condition which may hinder motherhood and the role of good eating is an issue of concern.

Fertility Expert Archana Dhawan Bajaj says eating disorders are a ''serious markers for failed conception''.

''Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia are two conditions which have been found as hindering the way to motherhood.

But cause of concern is that women are not aware that eating disorders could also be cause of infertility,'' she adds.

A large number of women who are unable to bear children and are thinking of going for latest and expensive fertility techniques can conceive simply by correcting their eating habits, she says.

''Body size is related to several gynecological disorders, higher risks of infertility have been found in both overweight and underweight women,'' she says.

It is not uncommon for bulimics to have substance abuse problems, as well.

''An eating disorder that is often not widely recognized is compulsive overeating. While this disorder is similar to bulimia, compulsive overeaters will binge on food but will not purge afterwards,'' Dr Bajaj explains.

''As a result, most compulsive overeaters are overweight. Often this extreme eating is accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame.

Women who are excessively underweight or overweight are at increased risk of amenorrhea (cessation of menstruation) as they need to have a certain amount of body fat in order to menstruate and conceive children,'' she adds.

Since these are not just physical but mental illnesses as well, anorexics, bulimics and compulsive overeaters are more likely to suffer from stress, anxiety and depression.

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