Anorexia Nervosa
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa - frequently essentially called anorexia - is a dietary problem portrayed by a strangely low body weight, an extreme anxiety toward putting on weight and a contorted impression of weight. Individuals with anorexia put a high worth on controlling their weight and shape, utilizing outrageous endeavors that will quite often altogether slow down their lives.
Data/Statistics in Anorexia Nervosa
- Is common more in women than men
- 9% of the US population will have an eating disorder in their lifetime
- 35%-57% of adolescent girls engage in crash dieting, fasting, self-induced vomiting, diet pills or laxatives
- About 10,200 deaths each year are the direct result of an eating disorder commonly in Anorexia Nervosa
- About 26% of individuals with eating disorders attempt suicide
Risk Factors for Youth
- Genetics: Those with a first - degree relative: a parent, sibling or child who had the disorder have a much higher risk of having anorexia nervosa
- Excessive Dieting: Weight loss is often met with positive reinforcement. The need for affirmation can drive you to diet more severely, which can lead to an eating disorder.
- Transitions: A new school, home, or job, a relationship breakup or a death of a loved one can bring emotional stress and increase the risk of developing an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa.
- Perfectionism: Setting an unrealistically high expectations for yourself.
Teasing and Bullying a person’s weight.
Appearance Ideal Internalization: Buying into the message of the socially - defined “ideal/body” may increase the risk of an eating disorder by increasing the likelihood of dieting and food restriction.
Short and Long Term Consequences
With an individual having anorexia nervosa it could be hard to see signs and side effects since what is viewed as a low body weight is different for every individual, and a few people may not show up very meager. Likewise, individuals with anorexia frequently mask their slenderness, dietary patterns or actual issues.
Short Term: Long Term:
- Weight Loss - Bone Weakening (Osteoporosis)
- Dehydration - Anemia (Lack of blood)
- Dry skin & hair - Seizures
- Nausea - Thyroid Problems
- Constipation - Lack of Vitamins and Minerals
- Fatigue Dizziness - Hair Loss
- Fainting - Tooth Decay
- Insomnia - Kidney Problems
What can be done to treat someone with Anorexia Nervosa?
Treatment options will vary depending on the individual’s needs. A person may receive treatment through residential care (outpatient care) or hospitalization depending on their current medical and mental health state. Treatment for anorexia most often involves a combination of the following strategies:
- Psychotherapy
- Medication
- Nutrition Counseling
- Group and/or family therapy
- Hospitalization
Resources for Anorexia Nervosa
https://www.bulimia.com/topics/anorexia-hotline/
Phone number: 1 (630) 577-1130
Operating hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm CST
https://anad.org/get-help/about-our-support-groups/
Join Support Groups
Scheduling Varies
Why is this issue important to me?
This issue is important to me because throughout my whole 20 years of life I have been made fun of for my body type. Individuals have always told me: "You need to eat more" "You're so skinny" "Do you make yourself barf after you eat?" "Do you skip meals throughout the day?" Hearing those comments and questions ALL the time has made me insecure about being skinny and petite. However, I do not have anorexia nervosa, but I have been fallen into that category even though I don't have any symptoms of it. In my opinion my skinny body comes from genetics as everyone in my family has the same body type as me. It makes it difficult for me to accept and appreciate my body without having someone making a comment. It makes it difficult for me to shop for clothes as everything is too big and baggy which is frustrating for me. As the days go by I have learned to appreciate my body because that is just what I given and I should be grateful for it. I want to be able to one day help skinny girls like appreciate their bodies as they are beautiful.
References
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. (2021, March 3). Eating Disorder Statistics | General & Diversity Stats | ANAD.
Anorexia nervosa - Symptoms and causes. (2018, February 20). Mayo Clinic.
Anorexia. (2017). PsychGuides.Com
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