It is unfortunate that so many woman suffer from depression stemming from inferiority complexes developed through societal pressures. Anorexic behavior includes refusal to maintain a normal body weight, extreme food restriction and, in most cases in young women, the loss of the menstrual cycle for at least three consecutive periods. This condition is known as amenorrhea. The body mass index (BMI) is a simple formula based on weight and height that classifies body mass into basically healthy or unhealthy categories. This is a tool that can be used to assist in the recognition of whether or not a person is in a dangerous or healthy situation based on her body mass.
BMI
BMI is obtained by dividing a person's height (converted to kilograms) by that individuals weight (converted to meters) squared. In other words: BMI = Ht (kg) / Wt (meters) squared. The BMI categorizes individuals as being underweight if their BMI is less than 18.5; normal for a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9; and overweight if the number is 25.0 to 29.9. Additionally, there are three classes of obesity: I Class: 30.0 to 34.9; High / II Class: 35.0 to 39.9; Very High / III Class: greater than 40.
BMI and Various Problems
Supposedly the BMI is a predictor of potential risks for health complications, namely type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The higher your BMI number, the greater your potential exposure to one or more of the aforementioned conditions. However, being underweight due to anorexia has its problems as well. Along with amenorrhea, people who suffer from anorexia are greatly predisposed to osteoporosis, the loss of bone density. This subjects them to bone fractures.
Types of Anorexia
There are essentially two types of anorexia that are prevalent. The first type is anorexia nervosa, which involves the avoidance or restriction of food. The second type, bulimia nervosa, features binge eating followed by methods of purging. These methods include the use of enemas, laxatives, diuretics and even self-induced vomiting.
Warning Signs/Identification
There are many warning signs to detect either anorexia and/or bulimia. With anorexics, there is a dramatic weight loss usually up to 15 percent of normal weight. Bulimics tend to have a weight fluctuation of more than ten pounds. Constant obsession with dieting and appearance, loss of hair, loss of muscle mass and tone, and extreme fatigue are some of the more prominent signs attributed to anorexia. With bulimia, signs include persistent sore throat and dental problems, diarrhea and broken blood vessels in the face and eyes. Both types share the propensity for excessive exercise.
Considerations
The benefit of the BMI is that it can be used as a tool to gauge whether or not a person in question may be engaging in any of the behaviors associated with anorexia. Any number falling below 18.5 on the BMI scale should raise a red flag, and professional intervention should follow. Obtaining a BMI chart can assist in keeping a constant vigil as an identified person begins to return to healthy eating habits and a normal BMI for her height and weight.
References
- "ACSM's Health-Related Physical Fitness Assessment Manual," ACSM; 2005.
- "NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training," National Strength and Conditioning Association; 2004.
