3 Ways to Understand Anorexia

1. Note Signs of an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders affect over 10 million women and teens in the United States, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). The two primary eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Anorexia is a form of self-starvation. Bulimia is a set of ritualistic behaviors surrounding bingeing and purging large amounts of food in a short period.

Thought of strictly as a woman's disease, eating disorders affect over 1 million men. Roughly, 85% of eating disordered patients began displaying symptoms before the age of 20. An eating disorder is serious business, leading to, in extreme cases, hospitalization and even death.

People who suffer from anorexia have approximately less than 85% of normal body weight for their height and age. Anorexics refuse to gain weight, and a have an extremely distorted sense of their body shape and size. They believe they are overweight or even obese. "I'm so fat," is a typical remark from a person suffering from anorexia, even though the person appears severely underweight. Most anorexic women stop menstruating due to low body weight.

2. Consider Personality Type

Most people who suffer from eating disorders feel intense shame and guilt about their obsession with food. An enormous amount of time and mental energy is spent thinking about controlling caloric intake. They tend to be perfectionists, hard-chargers, who think they should be able to manage everything. However, usually they are suffering from low-self esteem and depressive feelings.

Denial of low body weight is a classic symptom. When addressing a person you suspect has an eating disorder, be prepared for the brush-off. It's a frequent complaint parents have when they suspect their teen has an eating disorder.

People who suffer from eating disorders attempt to control or manage their feelings through food, either by denying food or binging and purging. Anxiety and depression are common conditions associated with anorexia. According to NEDA research studies, eating disorders may have a genetic component and may run in families.

3. Know When to Act

The sooner anorexia is diagnosed, the better. Anorexics are literally trying to starve themselves to death. Long-term mental issues and physical problems can occur. Due to the low intake of calories, low blood pressure, a slowing heart rate, severe dehydration, muscle and bone loss are some of the serious medical complications that may accompany anorexia. Heart failure can occur in critical cases.

If you suspect a loved one has an eating disorder, contact a professional who specializes in treating the disorder. Ideally, a licensed mental health professional, a nutritionist and medical doctor should compose the treatment team.