It is indeed normal, for especially a girl to be very concerned about her weight. But when the obsession of being thin takes charge on your eating habits, your thoughts and daily activities then you’re likely to be dealing with an eating disorder, the anorexia nervosa. When you experience anorexia, the desire to lose weight becomes the most important thing in your life. It typically occurs in more adolescent females than males. Due to the fear of gaining weight, anorexic patients often limit their food intake. And not matter how skinny you become, it is never enough. That can lead to many serious health problems as your body frequently lacks of nutrients which are needed to keep the body fit and healthy. HNBT takes a look into causes, treatments and symptoms of anorexia.
Common Symptoms Of Anorexia Nervosa In Teenagers
Here are some common symptoms. Be sure to immediately seek for help if any of these symptoms are present in yourself, or your teenage children. Following signs can also be considered as symptoms of anorexia in males too.
- Obsession with fat, calories and nutrition
- Dieting despite being thin
- Depression
- Dramatic weight loss
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Insomnia
- Dizziness and fainting
- Loss of hair or thinning of hair
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Intolerance to cold
- Swelling of legs and hands
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
Other Symptoms Of Anorexia (Behavioral factors)
Not only will you be experiencing symptoms mentioned above, but also few behavioral symptoms like throwing up on purpose after eating, feeling fat despite being underweight, using diet pills and diuretics, pretending to eat and lying about eating. If you’re ever noticing a large number of the symptoms mentioned in you, then you have to seek for immediate assistance. This is because anorexia nervosa can leave a great impact to your health both mentally and physically. And you should understand that the causes of anorexia can vary depending on the individuals eating habits and environmental influence. However, in most cases, the cause of of this eating disorder is only one, that is the obsession to lose weight or fear of gaining weight.
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What Are The Effects Of Anorexia?
Anorexia nervosa means going on an obsessed diet to lose weight, despite already being underweight and at the same time starving but with denial. Starvation can bring many risks to the organs. Some of the effects include ;
- Damage to heart and brain
- Monthly menstrual periods stop
- Breathing rate drops
- Nails and hair become very brittle
- Osteoporosis
- Hypothyroidism ( thyroid functions slow down)
- Anemia
- Psychiatric illness ( may lead to suicide risks)
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Anorexia Treatment
Treatment of anorexia emphasizes more on counselling, moral support and healthy diet plans. It requires a lot of commitment from the family members and friends of the affected individual. Following are few of the solutions available for it :
1. Medical treatments
Medical treatment will be required for those who are anorexic, and who have also developed other illnesses like hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, heart problems and depression. These illness can be treated by medications however depending on their severity. Doctor will follow your health and weight very frequently provided with the medications.
2. Nutritional counseling
Professional dietitians will guide you in the practice of healthy eating habits. They will counsel you, besides providing tips and guides to healthy eating habits. They will also let you know the do’s and don’ts of anorexia nervosa. This will help you recover by time.
3. Family involvements
Involvement of the family members is very crucial in the emotional and mental development of an anorexic patient, especially when it’s a teenager. Remember, the child needs support and encouragement.
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Overall, anorexic patients need more of serious emotional and mental supports, compared to any form of medical supports. This is because anorexia nervosa is highly associated with the factors of thoughts and behavioral and has the least to do with medical conditions. Hence, it is crucial for all anorexic patients to first develop their confidence and self-esteem in order to overcome this dreadful eating disorder. You have to bear in mind that effects of anorexia can be very severe if you choose to continue with this habit. Do share with us here in HNBT any other anorexia treatment that you know.
