Most people are somewhat aware of what anorexia is. They know it is an eating disorder and is largely characterized by avoiding eating. But, there is much more to know about it.
A person with anorexia will intentionally restrict their food intake to help them manage emotional challenges. Thus the emotional and psychological challenges of anorexia can be hard for a person to overcome.
Dietary restrictions can lead to nutritional deficiencies, severely affecting overall health and resulting in potentially life-threatening complications.
There are many myths about eating disorders. These can lead to false assumptions and affect a person's chance of seeking and getting help.
Here are ten facts to help you better understand and identify anorexia in yourself and your loved ones.
1) Anorexia is a mental illness
Eating disorders are often thought of as a choice or just a set of behaviors. Many people believe that young women essentially choose to restrict their food choices to lose weight. Still, research has shown eating disorders are as much a mental illness borne from genetics as it is about losing weight or choosing to eat less. On this note, anorexia can’t be treated by telling someone to “eat more” or “put on a few pounds.” Like any mental illness, it requires treatment to address properly and recover from.
2) Culture does play a role
While eating disorders are a mental illness, there is also strong evidence suggesting that cultural norms can play a role in the development of anorexia. Until recently, eating disorders have been most common in western countries where dieting is common, and there is an increased focus on being thin. However, as globalization brings advertisements showing “perfect bodies” to non-western countries, eating disorders in these areashaves also increased.
3) Anorexia is tied to unrealistic body image
Many people with anorexia view their bodies differently than they may be in reality. They tend to see themselves as fat, even as they are quickly becoming emaciated and overly thin. This condition is known as body dysmorphia and is often one of the first signs of an eating disorder. Body dysmorphia can be so powerful that when people with anorexia are asked to draw themselves, they typically depict themselves as being overweight, no matter what their current weight actually is.
4) Anyone can develop anorexia
It’s often thought that eating disorders – anorexia in particular – are “young women’s issues.” The archetypal anorexic person is generally thought to be a young, white woman. But, that belief isn’t rooted in reality. In fact, both men and women of all ages and races can live with an eating disorder. Eating disorder treatment facilities are seeing an increase in middle-aged or older patients, including patients in their 80’s.
5) Anorexia affects more than your waistline
Most of the conversation about eating disorders like anorexia is focused on weight and eating habits. The most common symptom associated with anorexia is a skeletally thin frame and malnourishment, but several severe symptoms can appear well before any notable changes in weight. These can include weakening bones, constant fatigue, decreased immune system abilities, and issues with menstruation.
6) Anorexia can be deadly
Just as eating disorders are brushed off as a teen problem, they are often underestimated. Anorexia is considered the most deadly mental illness because many people who struggle with the disease without treatment succumb to conditions related to their anorexia. Organ failure is widespread due to a lack of nutrition.
7) Anorexia can hide in plain sight
It is commonly thought that identifying anorexic people is as easy as spotting the overly thin person or the person who isn’t eating when everyone else is. However, those living with an eating disorder tend to keep their condition very secret. They can go to extreme lengths to make it seem they are eating while disposing of the food later in secret. There may also be no visible signs of the damage occurring within the body as malnutrition takes its toll.
8) There is no shame in needing help
People living with anorexia – especially men – are often ashamed to admit their condition or seek treatment. Social stigmas that encourage not talking about the condition and the belief that eating disorders are a “weakness” are so widespread that only 1 in 10 people who live with eating disorders ever seek help. However, it is important to know that an eating disorder is not a weakness any more than coming down with the flu is. Eating disorders are an illness, and there is no shame in seeking treatment for any illness, especially one as dangerous as anorexia.
9) Recovery is possible
It is true that a large number of people who enter treatment for anorexia experience some form of relapse during their path to recovery. But, that doesn’t mean there is no hope. Recent studies have shown that as many as two-thirds of all people who enter treatment for anorexia eventually achieve a full recovery, even when there are speedbumps along the way.
10) What to do if you or someone you know is living with anorexia
The most important thing you can do for yourself or a loved one with anorexia is take the matter seriously and seek professional help.
I hope that you all are now aware of what anorexia is. By knowing the seriousness of this health issue, takes the right decision at the right time.
Thank you.
Reference:
#anorexia#Wikipedia #newstodayhealth#Mayoclinic
You must be logged in to post a comment.