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Anorexia – More Than An Just Another Eating Disorder
Anorexia is known to most of us as an eating disorder stemming from a deeply-rooted obsession with body-image, being thin, not gaining weight and anorexia suffers do not typically even want to eat, anymore or at all. They may constantly worry about how many calories they take in or how much fat is in their food. They may take diet pills, laxatives or water pills in order to lose weight. They may exercise too much. Anorexics usually think they're fat, even though they're very thin. People with anorexia may get so thin that they look like they're sick. This physical manifestation of harmful intent to self, threatening all-round health and wellness and total well-being is disturbing and also prevalent in the teen population. Individuals suffering from anorexia, go to extreme lengths to keep themselves from gaining weight The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders quotes some disturbing facts regarding eating disorders: ♣ 8,000,000 or more people in the United States have an eating disorder, 90% are women. ♣ Victims may be rich or poor. ♣ Eating disorders usually start in the teens but may begin as early as age 8. Speculation and scientific research all try to understand and explain the causes of eating disorders – it is unknown what exactly triggers or causes something like anorexia for example, but possible explanations that are offered include: ♣ feeling stressed out or upset about something in your life, or ♣ feeling like you need to be "in control." ♣ Society also puts a lot of pressure on people to be thin. Although it is important for healthy eating habits and a balanced lifestyle to watch what we eat and to exercise, over-exaggerating, manipulating and/ or distorting our eating patterns and worrying about it anytime and all the time, is obsessive behaviour and leads to self-destructive choices and habits where, as an anorexic, you in fact do harmful things to your body because of this sick obsession about your weight – it envelopes you and your whole like and becomes an all-consuming activity and distorted thought process that can lead to a myriad of health problems not limited to : Stomach problems , Heart problems, Irregular periods or no periods in girls, Fine hair all over the body, including the face and dry, scaly skin. Various treatment options exist, but the main priority on the road to recovery for anorexia patients are: (i) taking the first step in getting back to a normal weight. (ii) hospitalization and re-hydration (iii) physicians might recommend dietary counseling to learn how to pick healthy foods and eat at regular times. (iv) For both anorexics and bulimics, family and individual counseling and talking about your feelings about your weight and problems in your life is advisable and helpful. |
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