When you see someone who just suddenly lost the desire for food or has what we call, a loss of appetite, do you just consider it a norm or do you attach a significant meaning to it? Today, I have to come to tell you, dear friends, about, Anorexia, which means the loss of appetite or the inability to at, it is as well far from being a norm because it could stand as a symptom of several diseases.
A good effect of anorexia is a person with anorexia nervosa, such a person will intentionally restrict his or her food as a part of the serious and potentially life-threatening mental health disorder. This usually involves emotional challenges, an unrealistic body image, and then an exaggerated fear of weight gain.
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The effect of anorexia nervosa affects people in different ways and with the appropriate treatment, there is a high chance of recovery, in some cases, there may be a significant loss of weight and show symptoms of anorexia, but still not have a low body weight or body mass index, this is referred to as Atypical Anorexia Nervosa.
Anorexia Nervosa can affect anyone irrespective of sex or age, but it is more common in a person's teenage years or early adulthood. It is also more common among transgender.
Let me talk a bit more about Anorexia Nervosa.
I already said that someone with anorexia will intentionally restrict themselves from eating just to lose weight, you can tell that is a common activity amongst aspiring top models, the problem with such practice is that dietary restrictions would result in nutritional deficiencies, which will seriously impact overall health and create life-threatening complications, the physiological and emotional issues associated with anorexia nervosa can be highly difficult to overcome.
The absence of nutrients may lead to;
- Low blood pressure.
- Serious loss of muscle mass.
- Swollen feet and swollen hands.
- Hair loss.
- Insomnia.
- Infertility.
- Less frequent menstruation or total loss of menstruation.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
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If you have a friend or family member showing signs of Anorexia Nervosa by refusing to eat, constantly checking body weight, checking body size to ensure one side is accurate, then therapy may be needed, don't just take it as a simple situation as they may have; low self-esteem, anxiety, pressure to fit into a cultural norm, a sense of pressure from the society to become slim, or even experiencing teasing and bullying about their shape or size.
You will begin to notice physical signs and symptoms of anorexia with;
- Fatigue.
- Fainting/dizziness.
- Insomnia.
- Hair that falls out or thins.
- No menstruation.
- Abdominal pain and constipation.
- Dehydration.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Cold intolerance.
- Swelling of the arms and legs.
Asides from intentionally starving themselves, people who have Anorexia Nervosa, also intentionally self-induce themselves to vomit, they also misuse medications like laxatives to ensure they do not have much food in their system. Not all cases of Anorexia are due to societal pressure, some of them are genetic, when a person is from a family where anorexia exists, there is a likelihood of getting it as well. There are also severe health issues that would lead to Anorexia.
There is currently no laboratory test to diagnose anorexia specifically, but a health care expert will make use of diagnostic tests like blood tests to rule out any medical condition that can contribute to weight loss, some of these tests are; complete blood count to assess overall health, albumin blood test to check for liver health and nutrient deficiency, Kidney function test, Liver function test, test for Vitamin D level, Bone density test to check for weak bones, pregnancy test.
People with eating disorders usually have associated mental illnesses like; Depression, Anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even borderline personality disorder, which will only further complicate anorexia.
Certainly, there is a solution to this problem, but it all begins with getting the person affected to accept that they have an illness in the first place because so many people with the illness will argue that they do not have any eating disorder, they will only seek medical attention when the situation becomes life-threatening, it is, however, wise to begin to treat Anorexia at its early stage. The goal of the treatment is aimed at;
- Treating psychological problems like low self-esteem and distorted thinking patterns.
- Eliminating binge eating problems.
- Stabilize weight loss.
- Develop long-term behavioral changes.
Treatment options like; Medications, Group therapy, Family therapy, Individual therapy, and hospitalization will help the condition.
Conclusion.
Anorexia is a serious life-threatening condition, but recovery is highly possible and it is advisable that is treated on time, as soon as symptoms and signs are noticed, the case should be reported to a medical expert. However, it is never too late to seek treatment, but the point remains that, the earlier solution is found, the better it is.
References.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9794-anorexia-nervosa
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267432#treatment-and-recovery
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/anorexia
https://www.healthline.com/health/anorexia-nervosa
https://www.healthline.com/health/anorexia-nervosa#treatment
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa/mental-health-anorexia-nervosa
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591
Hi, I am Tobi a writer, speaker, relationship blogger, and lover of good music. I love making friends and learning from people. Want to hear me speak on relationships and general life issues, you can find my youtube channel where you can listen and watch any episode for free, do not forget to subscribe and share with friends. I sincerely appreciate every love I get from members of the community and do well to keep them coming.