Anorexia - What is it?

Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that causes people to believe that they are overweight when they aren't.

Because of this feeling they either eat too little or nothing at all. Some anorexics use excessive amounts of exercise to burn calories.

Why it happens

It is thought that a combination of biological, psychological and socioculture factors are the cause of anorexia.

Anorexia isn't usually about food. In most instances the people suffereing from anorexia are dealing with other emotional problems or low self esteem. In our society girls are exposed to ultrathin models and actresses. This equates success with being thin.

Biologically a genetic link can be seen. Young girls who have a family history of anorexia are at a higher risk of developing it themselves.

Psycologically, anorexia is seen in people with low self worth, obsessive compulsive personality traits or those with an extreme drive for perfectionism.

Who's at risk

* Females under the age of 40
* Those with a family history
* Someone that has experience weight loss or gain. Positive comments during loss and negative during gain.
* Transitions - new school, home or job, relationship break-up, or the death or illness of a loved one.
* Sports, work and artistic activities - Athletes, actors and TV Personalities, dancers and models are at a higher risk.





















* Media & Society - TV, fashion magazinges - Skinny Models
(Thinness='s Success+Popularity)

Recogizing the Problem

At first most people with anorexia don't want treatment. They would rather stay thin then to be healthy.

Physical Signs - What can happen

The extreme weightloss also causes fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, dehyration, swelling of arms or legs and osteoperosis.

In extreme cases anorexia can even lead to death.

Emotional/Behavioral Symptoms

* Refusal to Eat
* Denial of Hunger
* Excessive Exercise
* Lack of Emotion
* Social Withdrawal
* Irritability
* Preoccupation with Food
* Lack of Sex Drive
* Depression
* Use of Diet Aids

Red Flags

* Skipping Meals
* Making excuses
* Having "safe" low-calorie food staples
* Weird food rituals - cutting food into tiny pieces, chewing food and then spitting out
* Cooking for others but not eating yourself
* Covering up with heavy clothing.
* Constant weighing of self or checking mirror for flaws




















* Complaining about being fat
* Not eating in public

When to get help

Like other problems anorexia nervosa can take over your life. If you feel that you are spending more time thinking about food or eating than other important things and are experiencing other signs or symptoms mentioned then it is time to get help.

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