Is Anorexia More Prevalent Than We Think?

 

Is Anorexia More Prevalent Than We Think?

What is the difference between anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia? 

Anorexia nervosa is defined as “abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight” (Mayo Clinic, 2018). This is an eating disorder that affects individuals drastically due to the psychological and physical factors placed upon them. With anorexia nervosa, signs and symptoms may differ from individuals. Stereotypically, many would think one with anorexia nervosa is extremely skinny. This is not true for many as they can be suffering from atypical anorexia. According to the newest edition of DSM5, atypical anorexia are those who meet the criteria for anorexia nervosa, but they are not underweight (Golden and Philip, 2020). 

Why is atypical anorexia not talked about? Is it dangerous? 

Atypical anorexia is dangerous to many since they might not be aware that they have an eating disorder. Anorexia is characterized as under- eating and oftentimes, over exercising. Many individuals can be losing weight at a drastic rate, but believe that it is healthy since they are still at a “normal weight”. This stems from unhealthy diets such as counting calories, food limitations, and unrealistic ideas of what is defined as “healthy”. As atypical anorexia progresses, it can stem into anorexia nervosa. This creates a dangerous cycle of unhealthy eating habits that can affect their mental and physical health. 

                                     Prevalence of anorexia nervosa (orange) vs. atypical nervosa (blue)

Psychological and behavioral symptoms of anorexia

• Frequently refusing or skipping meals 

• Eating “safe” foods (low in calories) and avoiding “fear foods” 

• Social withdrawal 

• Irritability 

• Frequent checking of mirrors for perceived flaws 

Physical symptoms 

• Extreme weight loss 

• Thinning of hair 

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Abnormal blood counts → risk for anemia 

• Dehydration

Why is this important to me?

I chose this topic because it is prevalent in today's society with the use of social media. Many users on multiple platforms (Instagram, Pintrest, Tiktok, Youtube) often seen creators promote diets and create unrealistic visions of what "skinny" is. Taking in consideration of how many younger people are engaged in these platforms, this causes an unhealthy idealization of how they should look like.

Sources

Golden, Neville H., and Philip S. Mehler. “Atypical Anorexia Nervosa Can Be Just as Bad.” Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 1 Mar. 2020, https://www.ccjm.org/content/87/3/172.

Mayo Clinic. “Anorexia Nervosa.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Feb. 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591.