In this age, which believes that there is a short cut to everything, the greatest lesson to be learned is that the most difficult way is, in the long run, the easiest.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
A person with anorexia nervosa has an intense fear of gaining weight. Someone with anorexia may look very thin. Anorexia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Someone with anorexia thinks about food a lot and limits the food she or he eats, even though she or he is too thin. Anorexia is not a problem with food, it is a way of using food or starving oneself to feel more in control of life. Some people with anorexia lose weight by dieting and exercising excessively. Other peopl will lose weight by self-induced vomiting, or misusing laxatives, diuretics or enemas.
Who Becomes Anorexic?
While anorexia mostly affects girls and women (90-95 percent), it can also affect boys and men. Anorexia affects all races and cultures.
Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa
In Anorexia Nervosa the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally, so it is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy. This “slowing down” can have serious medical consequences.
- Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure.
- Dry hair and skin, hair loss is common.
- Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness.
- Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body.
- Heart failure.
- Light-headedness.
- Muscle loss and weakness.
- Reduction of bone density, which results in dry, brittle bones.
- Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure.
Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa
- An abnormally low body weight.
- Anxiety about gaining weight or being “fat.”
- Consistent excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food.
- Denial of hunger.
- Dramatic weight loss.
- Exercising a lot, even in bad weather or when hurt or tired.
- Frequent comments about feeling “fat” or overweight despite weight loss.
- In general, behaviors and attitudes indicating that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns.
- Making her or himself throw up.
- Moving food around the plate instead of eating it.
- Not eating or eating very little.
- Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting.
- Taking pills to urinate or have a bowel movement.
- Withdrawal from usual friends and activities.
How are People With Anorexia Nervosa Treated?
- Restoring a persons health. Getting their weight up.
- Psychotherapy to help the person eat again and maintain healthy eating habits.
- Behavioral therapy also has been effective for helping a person return to healthy eating habits.
- Supportive group therapy may follow.
