Eating disorders are dangerous illnesses that affect both physical and mental health. More and more people become victims of eating disorders nowadays. A disturbing fact is that eating disorders such as anorexia (Anorexia Nervosa) and bulimia (Bulimia Nervosa) have high mortality rates. Around ten percent of people with anorexia die from starvation and malnourishment.
The persons with anorexia usually deny the facts of being confronted with a problem. They start by feeling constrained by their body weight and physical appearance and then end up developing obsessions with food, weight, and staying thin. They indulge in harmful behaviors, carefully portioning and restricting the amount of food they consume. People with anorexia also have a false perception of their body image, living with the permanent impression that they are fat, even if they are underweight.
Anorexia, just like other eating disorders, can be treated. However, to overcome the illness, people with anorexia need all the help they can get. Although at first, they may refuse any kind of intervention from the exterior, it is important to encourage them and to provide them with care and support. To prevent and overcome anorexia, it is vital to keep an eye on its signs. If you suspect that someone you know may be suffering from such an eating disorder, it is important to know the signs of anorexia.
The signs of anorexia are usually easy to identify due to dramatic changes in physical aspect and behavior. The most obvious sign of anorexia is inappropriate body weight. Most anorexics weigh a lot less than they should. People with anorexia are constantly preoccupied with their weight, the number of calories contained by the food they consume, and with keeping drastic diets. Anorexics tend to bring issues regarding food and body weight into the discussion in every conversation. They sometimes do it unknowingly, due to their need of expressing their obsessive, troubling thoughts.
Other signs of anorexia are excessive physical activities like jogging or workouts. Also, people with anorexia tend to isolate themselves from the world, and they refuse to participate in many activities due to their complexions of being fat and repulsive. Anxiety, agitation, and even violent impulses are also signs of anorexia.
Women and girls that suffer from anorexia experience irregular menstrual periods. Low body weight and menstrual problems or infertility are obvious signs of anorexia in girls.
Anorexics usually have unpredictable reactions, and they quickly jump from one mood to another. They may appear to be relaxed and calm at one moment, while the next moment they may burst into tears. Emotional instability is, therefore, another sign of anorexia.
Other signs of anorexia are unusual hair loss, internal disturbances like stomachaches, burns or constipation, migraines, low blood pressure, unstable body temperature, heart problems, and dehydration.
Keep in mind that to prevent an anorexic from causing further damage to oneself, you should quickly spot the presence of the disorder by paying attention to the signs of anorexia.
