-Shreyasi Tripathi
What?
Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by low weight, fear of gaining weight, a strong desire to be thin, and food restriction.
Why?
Although the exact causes of the disorder are unknown, it is found to run in families in some cases.
There are psychological, environmental, and social causes that contribute to the development of anorexia.
Distorted body images publicized by media make people to believe their lives will be better if only they were thinner.
These people tend to be perfectionists and overachievers. The typical anorexic person is usually a good student involved in school and community activities.
Puberty seems to be an important environmental factor contributing to anorexia. It may be the combination of hormonal changes and feelings of stress, anxiety and low self-esteem during puberty that triggers anorexia.
Some uncommon symptoms are
Solitude: Avoiding friends and family and becoming secretive
Halitosis from vomiting and starvation induced ketosis
Chronic fatigue
Rapid mood swings
As a result..
People suffering from this disorder weigh themselves frequently, eat only small amounts, and only eat certain foods. Some will exercise excessively, force themselves to vomit, or uselaxatives to produce weight loss. Complications may include osteoporosis, infertility and heart damage, among others. Women will often stop having menstrual periods
Other facts
Girls are affected more by this disorder than boys. It is estimated to occur ten times less commonly in males.
About 5% of people with anorexia die from complications over a ten-year period.
And so
It is a fatal disorder on the rise in our society, it is insidious and not often recognized till it is too late. To call a person suffering from this disorder health conscious is to let them die slowly.
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