Anorexia Nervosa: A Nervous Scenario!

Anorexia is both a physical and mental condition. Based on eating behaviors, anorexia can be classified as restrictive anorexia and binge-purge anorexia. In the first type, an individual extensively restricts the type and amount of food they consume, and in the latter, apart from restricting the type and amount of food intake, an individual consumes more food in a short span and then vomits intentionally or uses laxatives to eliminate the consumed food.

1.Pondering About the Causes?

Well, the exact cause of why anorexia manifests remains a mystery. The possible causes could be genetics, changes in brain chemistry, peer bullying about being overweight, environment, and culture. Coping with painful emotions, perfectionism, difficult relationships, and so on can pull down one’s self-esteem, which makes one prone to developing anorexia.

2.Identifying Anorexia

A few clinical features of anorexia are-

Physical Signs- These include marked weight loss, inappropriate BMI (body mass index), fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, dry skin, muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, and so on.

Behavioral Signs- Frequently worrying about being overweight despite weight loss, changes in eating routines or habits, change in food preferences all of a sudden, intentional vomiting, misuse of laxatives and diuretics, excessive exercising, wearing loose clothing to hide weight loss, using the washroom immediately after eating, and so on are a few behavioral signs of anorexia.

Mental and Emotional Signs- A few of these signs include extreme fear of gaining weight, obsessive interest in dieting, having a distorted body image, overlooking the seriousness of food restriction and low body weight, being assertive in staying under control, and so on.

3.All Problems Have Solutions!

The treatment of anorexia aims at balancing weight loss, treating psychological issues, initiating nutritional rehabilitation to restore lost weight, managing binge eating and purging behaviors, and instilling long-term behavioral changes.

Other strategies include medication to treat anxiety and depression, nutritional therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (a therapy that enables an individual to find new ways of behaving, thinking, and managing stress), family and individual counseling, and supplements to correct nutritional deficiencies. Treatment at the hospital may be necessary if one has a very low BMI, a psychiatric emergency, malnutrition, complications due to poor food intake, or a stubborn refusal to eat.

4.The Ill Side of Anorexia

The complications of anorexia can be severe and can cause issues with-

• The cardiovascular system.
• The digestive system.
• The kidneys.
• The blood.
• Bone strength.
• Hormonal imbalances.

Being a foodie can be exciting as it paves the way to explore various cuisines. At the same time, having a check on one’s diet and weight too is important. But, being over-obsessive about being overweight, thereby restricting food intake and following extensive methods to lose weight, can be dangerous. Anorexia nervosa is both a physical and mental condition that could grip one’s life. Hence, if you notice any of your near and dear ones suffering from anorexia nervosa, it is understandable to be nervous, but seek medical help at the earliest. Remember, anything in excess is always a menace!