Imagine waking up each morning, panicked by what you ate the day prior and unable to contemplate much of anything other than food, your body and your weight for the rest of the day. Obsession with food and weight control, coupled with extreme weight loss, are signs of anorexia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and dieting is one of numerous risk factors that may contribute. If you or a loved one exhibits signs of anorexia, seek professional guidance.
Prevalence
A broad range of diets are available to the weight loss-seeking consumer. Americans spend over $40 billion annually on weight loss diets and products, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), a number that continues to rise. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 0.6 percent of American adults will suffer from anorexia during their lifetime. Family history of anorexia, history of abuse or trauma and a tendency toward perfectionism are factors that increase the risk of developing the disease.
Relationship
Dieting, even compulsively, does not automatically evolve into anorexia. Dieting does increase your risk, however, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You may begin a diet with positive intentions and healthy goals in mind. Once you reach your initial weight loss goal, you may embrace compliments and recognition from others and take pride in your self-perceived achievement, then decide to take it a step further. The longer you diet and the more restrictive your diet becomes, the greater your chances of developing a food and weight obsession and anorexia. You may also grow accustomed to the dieter's mindset and lose the ability to indulge in treat foods or to feel pleasure -- rather than guilt -- from eating normal food amounts. Family history of anorexia or other addictive or compulsive disorders increase your risk for a full-fledged eating disorder.
Risks
Dieting and anorexia pose numerous risks. In addition to increasing your risk for anorexia, dieting may lead to other eating disorders, such as bulimia and binge eating. According to NEDA, girls who diet are 12 times more likely to develop binging behaviors than girls who do not. Dieting and anorexia are linked to lethargy, difficulty concentrating, nutrient deficiencies, reduced bone density and fractures, reduced muscle strength, poor coordination, thinning hair, electrolyte imbalances, an irregular heartbeat, depression, anxiety and increased emotional stress. Starvation, electrolyte imbalances, heart failure and suicide attempts associated with anorexia can lead to death.
Prevention and Solution
One of the best ways to prevent the detrimental effects of dieting and anorexia is steering clear of weight loss diets -- 95 percent of which fail to bring success, according to NEDA. If you carry excess body weight, aim for a healthy, balanced dietary lifestyle that allows for moderate indulgences and regular physical activity. Seek approval and guidance from your doctor or dietitian before attempting weight loss, particularly if you have a poor body image or history of an eating disorder. Counseling from a clinical therapist who specializes in eating disorders can help you put an end to compulsive dieting and anorexia and address underlying emotional issues. Surround yourself with positive people who value emotional and physical well-being over body size or shape and avoid magazines, websites and TV programs, such as beauty pageants, that promote a narrow view of physical beauty.
