Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa, also commonly referred to as just “anorexia,” is an eating disorder marked by an extremely low body weight, a crippling fear of gaining weight, and a skewed understanding of weight. Anorexics prioritize maintaining a healthy weight and body image, often requiring drastic measures that severely disrupt their daily routines.

In order to maintain their weight loss or avoid gaining it back, anorexics typically severely restrict their food intake. They might use laxatives, diet pills, diuretics, or enemas improperly, or they might vomit right after eating to reduce their caloric intake. They might also attempt to shed pounds by engaging in excessive exercise. The person’s fear of gaining weight persists, regardless of the amount of weight lost.

Food isn’t actually a factor in anorexia. It’s a very dangerous and unhealthy method of attempting to deal with emotional issues. Being thin is often associated with self-worth in anorexics.

Like other eating disorders, anorexia can take over your life and is very challenging to recover from. However, with treatment, you can regain a stronger sense of self, resume a healthier diet, and even reverse some of the major side effects of anorexia.

Symptoms

Starvation is a factor in the physical manifestations of anorexia nervosa symptoms. In addition to emotional and behavioural problems, anorexia also involves an irrational fear of gaining weight or getting fat, as well as an unrealistic perception of body weight.

Because everyone has a different definition of what constitutes a low body weight and because some people may not appear exceptionally thin, it may be challenging to identify the signs and symptoms. Additionally, anorexics frequently hide their physical issues, eating disorders, or thinness.

Physical signs and symptoms

Anorexia’s physical manifestations can include:

• severe weight loss or failure to achieve the anticipated developmental weight gains
• slim build
• unusual blood counts
• weary
• lack of sleep
• lightheadedness or fainting
• finger discoloration that is bluish in tone
• thin, broken, or falling hair
• body hair that is downy and soft
• not getting your period
• abdominal pain and constipation
• skin that is dry or yellowish
• intolerance for cold
• abnormal heartbeats
• low BP
• lack of water
• swelling in the legs or arms

worn-down teeth and knuckle calluses from forced vomiting
Similar to those who have bulimia, some anorexics binge and purge. But while those who suffer from bulimia usually weigh normal to over normal, those who suffer from anorexia usually struggle with abnormally low body weight.

Behavioural and emotional signs

• Anorexic behaviour symptoms can include attempts to reduce weight through:
• Severe dietary restriction achieved through fasting or dieting
• Engaging in excessive physical activity

Self-inflicted vomiting and bingeing to get rid of food, which can involve using laxatives, enemas, diet supplements, or herbal remedies
Signs and symptoms of emotional and behavioural disorders could be:

• obsession with food, which can involve preparing elaborate meals for other people but not consuming them
• avoiding food or skipping meals on a regular basis
• denying one’s hunger or providing reasons not to eat
• consuming a small number of “safe” foods, typically those low in calories and fat
• establishing strict eating or meal routines, such as spitting out food after chewing
• refusing to eat in front of others
• faking the amount of food consumed
• fear of gaining weight, which could involve measuring or weighing the body repeatedly
• regular inspection of one’s reflection for apparent defects
• complaining about one’s weight or the weight of certain body parts
• wearing many layers of clothing to hide
• lack of feeling, or a flat mood
• social disengagement
• intolerance
• lack of sleep

Causes

Anorexia’s precise cause is unknown. It’s most likely a result of a confluence of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, as with many diseases.

Biological. Certain people may be more susceptible to developing anorexia due to genetic changes, even though the specific genes involved are still unknown. Perseverance, sensitivity, and perfectionism are all traits linked to anorexia that some people may inherit from their parents.

Mental. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorders can make it simpler for some anorexics to follow rigid diet plans and avoid food even when they are starving. They could have an intense need for perfection that makes them believe they’re never quite thin enough. Additionally, they might experience high levels of anxiety and practise restrictive eating to lessen it.

Ecological. Western culture today places a premium on thinness. Being slender is frequently associated with success and value. Peer pressure, especially in the case of young girls, may contribute to the drive for thinness.

Prevention

Anorexia nervosa cannot be prevented with certainty. Paediatricians, family doctors, internists, and other primary care physicians may be in a good position to spot early signs of anorexia and stop the condition from getting worse. For example, during routine medical visits, they can inquire about eating habits and appearance satisfaction.

Consider having a conversation with a family member or friend about these concerns if you observe that they have severe dieting habits, low self-esteem, and dissatisfaction with their appearance. While you might not be able to stop an eating disorder from starting, you can discuss treatment options or better behaviours.