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Overview 

Anorexia nervosa  is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, a strong fear of gaining weight, and a skewed sense of body weight. Anorexics place a high priority on maintaining their weight and shape, and they go to great lengths to do so, which can drastically disrupt their lives.


People with anorexia frequently aggressively restrict their food intake to avoid weight gain or to maintain weight loss. They may restrict their calorie intake by vomiting after meals or abusing laxatives, diet aids, diuretics, or enemas. They may also try to lose weight by exercising excessively. No matter how much weight is dropped, the person is still afraid of gaining it again.

Anorexia has nothing to do with food. It’s a tremendously harmful and, in some cases, life-threatening technique of dealing with emotional issues. When you have anorexia, thinness is generally associated with self-worth.

Like other eating disorders, anorexia may take over your life and be extremely difficult to overcome.

However, with treatment, you can regain a stronger sense of self, resume healthier eating habits, and reverse some of anorexia’s harmful consequences.


Symptoms of anorexia nervosa.

Starvation is linked to the physical signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa. Anorexia also involves mental and behavioral disorders such as an inaccurate body weight perception and a great fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.

Because what constitutes a low body weight varies from person to person, and some people do not appear to be exceedingly thin, it can be difficult to detect indications and symptoms. Furthermore, anorexics frequently conceal their thinness, eating habits, or physical concerns.

Physical manifestations:

Anorexia’s physical indications and symptoms include:

Extreme weight loss or failure to meet developmental milestones

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a slim figure

Blood counts are abnormal.

Fatigue

Insomnia

Dizziness or passing out

Fingers with a bluish discoloration

Hair that is thinned, broken, or falling out

The body is covered in soft, downy hair.

Menstruation is not occurring.

Constipation and stomach ache

Skin that is dry or yellowish

Cold intolerance.

Heart rhythm irregularities

Blood pressure is low.

Dehydration

Arms or legs swelling

Induced vomiting resulted in eroded teeth and calluses on the knuckles.

Similar to bulimia, some persons with anorexia binge and purge. However, people with anorexia usually have an abnormally low body weight, whereas people with bulimia usually have a normal to above-normal weight.

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Behavioral and emotional symptoms

Anorexia’s behavioral signs can include attempts to shed weight by:

Dieting or fasting to severely restrict food consumption

Excessive physical activity

Binge eating and self-induced vomiting to get rid of food, which can include laxatives, enemas, diet aids, or herbal medicines.

The following are examples of emotional and behavioral indications and symptoms:

Food obsession, which might include preparing extravagant meals for others but not consuming them.

Frequently missing or refusing to eat meals

Making reasons for avoiding eating or denying hunger

Eating only a few “safe” foods, which are usually low in fat and calories

Strict meal or eating routines, such as throwing out food after chewing

Not wanting to eat in front of others

Lying about the amount of food consumed

Fear of gaining weight, which may include weighing or measuring the body repeatedly.

Checking in the mirror for perceived imperfections on a regular basis

Complaining about being overweight or having fat body parts

Putting on layers of clothing to keep warm

Mood is dull (lack of emotion)

Social isolation

Irritability

Insomnia

Interest in sex has waned.

When should you see a doctor?

Unfortunately, many persons suffering from anorexia do not want to be treated, at least at first. Their drive to stay skinny takes precedence over their health concerns. If you have concerns about a loved one, encourage him or her to see a doctor.

Get treatment if you’re having any of the issues described above, or if you suspect you might have an eating disorder. If you’re hiding your anorexia from loved ones, locate someone you can confide in and talk to about it.

Causes of Anorexia Nervosa.

Anorexia’s exact cause is unknown. It’s likely a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental components, like with many disorders.

Biological. Although the exact genes involved are unknown, genetic variations may put some people at a higher risk of developing anorexia. Perfectionism, sensitivity, and perseverance are all attributes related with anorexia, and some people may have a genetic inclination toward them.

Psychological. Some people with anorexia have obsessive-compulsive personality traits, which make it easier for them to stick to rigid diets and avoid eating even when they are hungry. They may have an excessive need for perfection, leading them to believe they are never skinny enough. They may also suffer from high levels of anxiety and use restrictive eating to cope.

Environmental. Thinness is emphasized in modern Western culture. Being slim is frequently associated with success and worth. Peer pressure, especially among young girls, may contribute to the desire to be skinny.

Risk elements of Anorexia Nervosa.

Girls and women are more likely to suffer from anorexia. However, eating disorders are becoming more common in boys and men, probably as a result of increased social pressures.

Teenagers are also more prone to anorexia. This eating problem can affect persons of any age, though it is more common in those over 40. Teens may be particularly vulnerable due to the physical changes that occur during puberty. They may also feel more pressure from their peers and be more sensitive to criticism or even casual comments about their weight or physical shape.

Anorexia is caused by a number of reasons, including:

Genetics. Changes in specific genes may increase the risk of anorexia in some persons. Those who have a first-degree relative with anorexia — a parent, sibling, or kid — are at a significantly higher risk.

Starvation and dieting. Dieting has been linked to the development of eating disorders. Many of the symptoms of anorexia are actually symptoms of starvation, according to evidence. Starvation has an effect on the brain, causing mood swings, inflexible thinking, anxiety, and appetite loss. In vulnerable individuals, starvation and weight loss may alter the way the brain works, perpetuating restrictive eating practices and making it difficult to return to regular eating habits.

Transitions. Change can cause emotional stress and increase the risk of anorexia, whether it’s a new school, house, or job; a relationship breakup; or the loss or illness of a loved one.


Complications



Anorexia can cause a variety of problems. It can be lethal in its most extreme form. Death can strike anyone at any time, even if they are not very underweight. This can be caused by abnormal cardiac rhythms (arrhythmias) or an electrolyte imbalance (minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium that keep your body’s fluid balance).

Other anorexic complications include:


Mitral valve prolapse, irregular heart rhythms, and heart failure are all examples of cardiac issues.

Osteoporosis, or bone loss, increases the risk of fractures.

Muscle atrophy

Absence of a menstruation in females

Reduced testosterone levels in men

Constipation, bloating, or nausea are common gastrointestinal issues.

Low blood potassium, sodium, and chloride levels are examples of electrolyte disorders.

Kidney issues

Every organ in the body, including the brain, heart, and kidneys, can be affected if a person with anorexia becomes extremely malnourished. Even when anorexia is under control, this damage may not be totally reversible.

Anorexia sufferers frequently suffer from other mental health conditions in addition to the physical complications. Some examples are:

Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders

Disorders of personality

Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) are a type of compulsive
Misuse of alcohol and other drugs
Suicide attempts, self-injury, or suicidal thoughts

Prevention

Anorexia nervosa cannot be completely avoided. Primary care physicians (pediatricians, family physicians, and internists) may be able to detect early signs of anorexia and prevent it from progressing to full-blown sickness. During routine medical appointments, they can, for example, inquire about eating habits and contentment with appearance.

Consider talking to a family member or friend about low self-esteem, severe dietary habits, or unhappiness with looks if you observe these difficulties. Although you may not be able to avoid the onset of an eating issue, you can discuss better behaviors or treatment choices.

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