It may not be surprising that a majority of teenagers and women become obsessed with being skinny, as a body with its contours accentuated by the bones is the current criterion for beauty. The media has infiltrated the psyche of teenagers and women to obsessively strive to fit in the mould of being attractive and sexy set by Hollywood celebrities. As beauty has so much to do with self-esteem and social acceptance, a majority of women become consumed with the idea of being thin which consequently brings about the prevalence of eating disorders such as
. Anorexia, simply put means loss of appetite and can happen to a person from time to time or can be a symptom of another condition.
Anorexia nervosa on the other hand is a different story. It is considered as a mental illness characterized by an extreme obsession to lose weight. Those beset with anorexia nervosa suffer from poor self-image and they unreasonably strive to be thin. Drastic weight loss and fear of losing weight are some of the manifestations of anorexia nervosa and an individual suffering from it may engage in intense exercise due to a psychological compulsion. In most cases, individuals with this eating disorder force themselves to regurgitate and use laxatives excessively. Over time, these manifestations can produce complications and damage one’s health.
Osteoporosis, irregular heartbeat and even heart failure can ensue. Those with anorexia nervosa also experience anemia, muscle wasting and swollen joints. When beset by the disorder the skin becomes dry and turns yellow and internal temperature falls due to loss of body fat. As for its psychological manifestations,
can make its victim lose interest in almost everything, increasingly feel hopeless and may even sink into depression. Diagnosis for anorexia nervosa is determined once the body weight falls 15% below the ideal and when there is cessation of an individual’s monthly cycle. Oftentimes, those suffering from the disorder are unaware that they are caught in the grip of a vicious eating disorder, so when anybody suspects that they or somebody they know is suffering from anorexia nervosa, it may be sensible to keep themselves informed.
Countless books and online sites provide information on the disorder and one must take advantage of their availability to spare themselves from a grave deterioration of health, misery and even death. When one seeks help for anorexia nervosa, there are several organizations willing to extend assistance. These organizations specialize in treatment of anorexia nervosa and they provide medical, nutritional and psychological care to those afflicted with the disorder. Patients suspected to suffer from anorexia nervosa are individually screened and once diagnosed, they are put under an individualized treatment plan specifically designed for each of them. These organizations provide an assigned therapist who constantly gives counsel and emotional support for each patient as well.
It is important that those afflicted with anorexia nervosa be made aware of the dangers of the condition they are fraught with. Online support is available for anorexics as there are concerned agencies aware of the prevalence and hazard of this eating disorder. With proper support and supervision, a patient with
has a promising chance of recovery.
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