Eating disorders are serious illnesses that affect eating behaviors and feelings. Anorexia nervosa is a well-known type. People with anorexia avoid food, fear weight gain, and see themselves as overweight.
It is important to know that anorexia has a high death rate. Those with anorexia can die because their bodies don’t get enough nutrients. It is crucial to spot anorexia early, get help, and start proper treatment. Other eating disorders include bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and ARFID.
Treating anorexia might involve talking to a therapist, learning about nutrition, and sometimes taking medicine. There is also a newer method called stem cell therapy. This therapy is showing promise to help improve life for those with anorexia.
Key Takeaways:
- Eating disorders can be life-threatening and stem from messed up eating habits and thoughts.
- Anorexia nervosa is where people restrict food to stay thin and see themselves as bigger than they are.
- People with anorexia have a high chance of dying and face many health problems because of their disorder.
- Bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and ARFID are other common eating problems.
- Help for anorexia includes talking with a counselor and learning about what foods are good for you, along with possibly trying stem cell therapy.
Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
At first glance, anorexia nervosa seems simple. It stands out with its signs and symptoms. Recognizing them early can lead to effective treatment. Let’s look at the common signs of anorexia now.
- Extremely restricted eating: People with anorexia eat very little. They obsess over every calorie and avoid certain foods.
- Emaciation: Anorexia makes people very thin. They weigh much less than they should for their size and age.
- Relentless pursuit of thinness: A fear of getting fat drives those with anorexia. They might harm themselves to stay thin.
- Distorted body image: Anorexia makes people see themselves as fat, even when they’re dangerously thin.
- Denial of the seriousness of low body weight: Many don’t realize how sick they are. They minimize the dangers of anorexia.
This disorder also affects a person’s body. These physical signs include:
- Weak bones prone to breaking from osteoporosis.
- Loss of muscle, leading to weakness and tiredness.
- Fragile hair and nails that easily break.
- Skin that’s dry and yellowish from a lack of proper nutrition.
- Trouble with digestion, like constipation.
- Low blood pressure and slow breathing and heart rates.
- Heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats.
The way someone acts can show anorexia too. Behavioral signs are:
- Doing rituals around food, like cutting it small or moving it on a plate.
- Being obsessed with weight and looks, always checking themselves in mirrors.
- Exercising too much, sometimes to the point of hurting themselves.
- Avoiding other people and places where there’s food.
Not everyone with anorexia has all of these symptoms. Atypical anorexia, for example, might not make a person very thin. But they still have the disorder. If you suspect anorexia in you or someone else, getting help is key to recovery and health.
| Signs and Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Extreme restricted eating | Severely limiting food intake, obsessive calorie counting, and avoiding specific food groups |
| Emaciation | Being significantly below a healthy weight for height and age |
| Relentless pursuit of thinness | Intense fear of weight gain and persistent desire to achieve a thin body |
| Distorted body image | Perceiving oneself as overweight or fat despite significant underweight |
| Denial of seriousness | Minimizing the health risks and impact of low body weight |
| Thinning of the bones | Weakened bone density (osteoporosis) |
| Muscle wasting | Loss of muscle mass leading to weakness and fatigue |
| Brittle hair and nails | Fragile hair and nails prone to breakage |
| Dry and yellowish skin | Inadequate nutrition and dehydration causing skin changes |
| Constipation and digestive issues | Compromised gastrointestinal function |
| Low blood pressure and slowed breathing and pulse rates | Physiological changes due to malnutrition |
| Heart damage | Arrhythmias and cardiac complications |
| Food rituals | Engaging in specific behaviors surrounding food |
| Obsession with weight and shape | Constant preoccupation with appearance and body comparison |
| Excessive exercise | Compulsive and intense physical activity |
| Social withdrawal | Avoiding social situations involving food |
Causes, Risk Factors, and Diagnosis of Anorexia
The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is unclear. Research shows many things can lead to it. These include genes, the world around us, how we think, and what our culture values. Some people might be more likely to get anorexia because of their genes. But, genes alone won’t cause it. Pressure to look a certain way from society or cultural views on beauty also play big roles.
Several things might make someone more likely to develop anorexia. Some of these are previous dieting, getting negative feedback about body and weight, low confidence, wanting to be perfect, and the pressure to look slim. Also, if someone in your family has struggled with eating or mental health, you might be more at risk. Remember, these factors only raise the chances, not a sure thing.
Diagnosing anorexia means a doctor or nurse will look closely at someone’s health. They will check the person physically, talk about their health history, and see how they act around food. They will also look into their weight and mental well-being. Sometimes, they might need to do tests to be sure nothing else caused the symptoms.
Spotting anorexia early and getting help is key to getting better. If you notice anorexia symptoms in yourself or a friend, reach out to a healthcare professional who knows a lot about eating disorders. The right kind of help can lead to a better way of looking at food and body image for those with anorexia.