Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder whereby people control what they eat in order to stay ‘thin’. With modern society defining beauty as being skinny and underweight, Anorexia has become more prevalent. Anorexia nervosa is more commonly known as Anorexia. People with this condition, more common in females, have a constant fear of gaining weight and to avoid this, they either starve themselves or do strenuous exercise which results in extreme weight loss.
This condition interferes with people lives as they are regularly losing calories, energy and nutrition. There are different measures Anorexic people take to lose weight. There are people that eat but make themselves vomit afterwards, others don’t eat at all or eat but exercises excessively. Laxatives, diuretics, prescribed medication or enemas are other means people take to stay underweight. No matter how much weight they lose, they still see themselves as being over-weight or continue fearing that they may gain weight if they eat.
Anorexia is a well-known term and many people have heard of it or seen someone who suffers from it. Generally it is associated with ‘food’ – however, Anorexia is not just related to food deficiency, it is an unhealthy and dangerous way people deal with certain emotional problems. The sufferers related being thin with gaining confidence and self-worth. The resulting weight loss gives them confidence. In order to stay in this confident state they keep avoiding food which results in more weight loss. It can also have serious complications which may prove to be very difficult to overcome.
Symptoms
The definition of an ideal weight differs from one person to another which makes it difficult to identify the onset of Anorexia Nervosa. The signs and symptoms include:
• Extreme weight loss
• Very thin appearance
• Abnormal blood test results
• Extreme lethargy
• Lack of energy
• Fatigue
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Menstruation cycle stops
• Lack of sleep
• Cold intolerance
• Eroded teeth
• Heart rate changes and low blood pressure
• Abdominal pain causing constipation
• Constant low mood
• Unrealistic perception of body weight
• Extreme fear of gaining weight
• Bluish fingers and yellowish skin color
• Cooking for others but not eating them
• Skipping meals often
• Making excuses not to eat
• Regularly finding flaws in their body in front of the mirror
• Complaining that they are fat
• Wearing big clothing to avoid their body
• Not going into public
• Constant frustration
• Lack of interest in sex
Causes
• Biological – it is not yet known if there is a genetic predisposition to developing Anorexia Nervosa. However, people who have a genetic tendency to look perfect, and are emotional and sensitive are more prone to developing this condition.
• Psychological – people with obsessive-compulsive personality traits are more likely to develop this condition as it is easier for them do strict diets.
• Environmental – the modern society defines beauty as being extremely thin. In order to blend into the crowd and look beautiful people often take extreme measures to stay thin which ends up in Anorexia Nervosa.
When to see a doctor
It may be hard to identify Anorexia Nervosa at an early stage however if you notice a family member of friend who has low self-esteem and attribute happiness to weight loss even though they are very thin, talk to them about this issue. If the problem persists, you might want to encourage them to see a doctor. If you have any of the symptoms described above, talk to your family and discuss what is going on. They may be able to help you in developing better eating habits. Even if they can’t assist you, they can direct you to a health professional.
References:
Mitchell, J. E., & Crow, S. (2006). Medical complications of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 19(4), 438-443.
Dr. Sarkaw Mohammad (Chiropractor)
Hillcrest Spinal Centre