Anorexia is an eating disorder that is characterized by an abnormally low body weight. In addition, the patient has an intense fear of gaining weight and has a distorted perception of what their weight is. They will go to extreme efforts to manage control of their weight and shape, to the point that it interferes with the normal operations of their daily lives.
The Symptoms of Anorexia
Attending a PHP in Vermont can help a person diagnose their symptoms and provide them with the help that they need. A person living with anorexia will have a variety of symptoms, both physical and mental. Physical symptoms include:
● Extreme weight loss
● Thin appearance
● Dizziness or fainting
● Abnormal blood counts
● Fatigue
● Low blood pressure
● Intolerance of cold
● Mental symptoms include:
● Severe restriction of food intake through dieting or fasting
● Excessive exercising
● Preoccupation with food
● Frequently skipping meals
● Refusing to eat
● Covering up in layers of clothing
● Fear of gaining weight
The Causes Of Anorexia
There is really no known exact cause for anorexia as it is usually caused by a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. For biological, it is believed that there could be some genetic changes that make some people more prone to developing anorexia than others. There is also the genetic tendency to strive towards perfectionism. Psychologically, those with anorexia tend to have obsessive-compulsive personality traits that make it easy for them to stick to strict diets and forego eating for long periods of time, despite being hungry. Environmental factors also play a role, as in modern Western society, thinness is considered to be the norm. It is the belief that only thin people are successful, which can put peer pressure on people to achieve certain weight goals.
Complications of Anorexia
Because the human body has certain nutritional needs, reducing or removing these nutritional sources can lead to a lot of complicated results that are detrimental to one’s health. For example, there is an increased risk of bone loss because there is a reduced calcium intake in one’s diet. Other complications can include:
● Anemia
● Loss of muscle
● Abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure
● Decreased testosterone in men/absence of period in women
● Constipation, bloating, or nausea
● Kidney problems
Anorexia also takes a toll on one’s mental health, and can lead to:
● Personality disorders
● Self-injury
● Obsessive-compulsive disorders
● Mood disorders
● Alcohol and substance abuse
Prevention of Anorexia
There is no foolproof way to prevent anorexia. Primary care physicians may be in the best position to identify what the earliest symptoms are and provide the necessary assistance to prevent it from becoming a full-blown illness. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications from occurring.
If you notice that a loved one has severe eating habits, has dissatisfaction with their appearance, and has low self-esteem, then it might be time to talk to them about any concerns they might have. Although you may not be able to prevent an eat disorder from developing, talking to them about treatment options is still a step in the right direction. Get them help early before it’s too late.
