Anorexia nervosa
An eating disorder, that is treatable but if left without attention, can get fatal. In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms, causes, side effects, and treatment options for anorexia.
Anorexia is characterized as “a significant and continuous reduction in food intake leading to extremely low body weight; a relentless pursuit to get thin; a distortion of body image, an intense fear of gaining weight; and extremely distressed eating behaviors.”
The effects of these extreme behaviors resulting from this illness are far more devastating than any ill effects of consistent dieting. While dieting may help with weight control, anorexia is often an attempt to gain control over own life and emotions, especially in the light of traumatic events or a disorganized environment.
Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms
Just by looking at someone, no one can tell if a person is Anorexic or not. But there are certain red flags that can indicate possible problems.
If a person reports an extreme fear of gaining weight or becoming fat (Obesophobia), or episodes of refusing to eat or be seen eating by others, and avoiding eating in social situations.
Focusing on body weight, size, shape, and appearance, causes apparent distress.
Hyperfocused on food, including nutritional content, bodily impact, avoiding certain foods, etc.
Distorted body image.
Exercising excessively, even when the weather is bad, interferes with job/school/socializing, or injury occurs.
Mood swings and increased emotion dysregulation.
Difficulty focusing.
Causes of Anorexia
There are certain factors, which can influence these behaviors, They include:
Environmental Factors
Individuals are also more likely to develop anorexia if their family/environment dynamics and beliefs are similar to ideal, so-called “perfect” beauty and diet culture ideals.
Biological Factors
S ome individuals who are born with predispositions for perfectionism, rigidity, and sensitivity are more likely to struggle with anorexia. These individuals often utilize these traits to facilitate dangerous restrictive dieting and exercise behaviors.
Psychological Factors
Individuals with any other, or previous mental health diagnoses are more likely to develop eating disorders in general. Anorexia commonly co-occurs with anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Side Effects of Anorexia
Anorexia Nervosa results in extreme malnourishment that can be identifiable in many ways other than weight loss, such as:
Loss/fluctuation of body mass (fat and muscle), irregular menstrual cycle (amenorrhea), abdominal pain and gastrointestinal issues, severely affected immune system function, feeling lethargic and low on energy, etc.
The scary truth is, if left untreated, Anorexia can be lethal, regardless of age, sex/gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, etc.
In long term, the following ill effects are there, such as:
Loss of menstrual cycle, difficulty conceiving, and possible infertility.
Damage to the vital organs, cardiovascular complications & increased risk of heart failure.
Bone and muscle loss and increased symptoms of other mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and substance use.
How to Treat Anorexia
Anorexia can be fatal but is treatable.
An individual can struggle yet receive proper treatment and live a life free from food rules and diet restrictions.
Once it has been developed or diagnosed, receiving treatment from eating disorder professionals is important. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, and Family-Based therapy are useful to help people with anorexia.
Related :
(i) Eating Disorders - ARFID
(ii) Eating Disorders - Binge eating
(iii) Eating Disorders - Bulimia nervosa
(iv) Eating Disorders
