ANOREXIA

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that occurs most often in young women, although it can affect some men. People with anorexia have a distorted view of their body and are afraid they will become fat, so they stop eating, or eat very little, and think about food all of the time. They never see themselves as too thin. So much weight can be lost in advanced cases of anorexia that no signs of fat can be seen on the body, only excessive leanness with muscle loss and weakness caused by lack of nutrition or disease.

The human body needs food to thrive and stay alive. People with anorexia are often characterized by:

self-starvation
always thinking about weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting
denial of hunger
food rituals
compulsive and rigid exercising and
withdrawal from usual friends and activities

Anorexia is more common among girls and women who equate female beauty with thinness. There may also be a risk of developing anorexia if there is a family history of anorexia or other eating disorders, or if there is a family or personal history of depression, anxiety disorders, or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Others at risk include athletes, dancers, actors, and models when thinness provides an advantage.

People with anorexia do not see themselves as too thin. They often appear gaunt and withered, but deny there is a problem. Besides the low body weight, obsession with thinness, and thinking about food and exercise all the time, girls often stop having menstrual periods, and men often become impotent. Other characteristics of anorexia are brittle nails and hair, feeling cold, and overall weakness.

Sometimes people with anorexia will have another eating disorder called bulimia. They force themselves to vomit or take laxatives, often after eating a large amount of food. These individuals may have badly damaged teeth from the constant vomiting.

While many people are concerned about their weight and appearance, those with anorexia have a more serious problem. The starvation can actually cause very dangerous and deadly health conditions. Complications from anorexia may develop, such as stomach problems, irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, kidney damage, and even heart failure.

Anorexia can be a very difficult condition to treat. When facing it alone, anorexia does not go away or get better. People with anorexia cannot stop their behavior without help. Individual psychotherapy and family therapy are recommended. Medications may be prescribed to help reduce depression and anxiety. Early treatment is very important. Seek medical help as soon as possible, as anorexia can lead to serious health problems and death.

For more information, contact the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders at (847) 831-3438 or the National Eating Disorders Association at 206-382-3587. Visit their websites at www.anad.org and www.NationalEatingDisorders.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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