Which of the following is a significant risk associated with anorexia?

Cardiac damage is a significant risk associated with anorexia due to the severe effects of malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances that the disorder can cause. Prolonged periods of inadequate nutrition can lead to a variety of cardiac issues, including bradycardia (slow heart rate), arrhythmias, and potentially life-threatening complications such as cardiomyopathy.

The malnourished state often results in decreased energy availability for the heart, leading to compromised cardiac function. Electrolyte imbalances, commonly seen in individuals with anorexia due to purging or insufficient dietary intake, further exacerbate the risk of abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure.

Increased muscle mass, dehydration, and weight gain do not align with the physiological consequences of anorexia. In fact, individuals typically experience decreased muscle mass and potential dehydration from inadequate intake and malnutrition, as well as a consistent pattern of significant weight loss rather than weight gain. Thus, the correct response highlights the critical and often overlooked cardiac complications that can arise from this eating disorder.