Anorexia, or anorexia nervosa, is a serious eating disorder characterized by low body weight, self starvation, emotional difficulties and obsession with dieting. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), anorexia has the highest fatality rate of all psychiatric illnesses and the sooner treatment is sought, the more likely recovery becomes. If you or a loved one exhibits signs of anorexia, seek guidance from a qualified professional who specializes in eating disorders to improve chances of a full, long-term recovery.
Fear and Resistance of Healthy Body Weight
People with anorexia often exhibit a distorted sense and self-perception. Though they may appear dangerously thin to the outside world, they often deem themselves "fat," or simply not thin enough. According to NEDA, resisting a body weight at or above a person's minimally normal weight for his age, shape and gender, is a primary symptom of anorexia. As a result, sufferers of anorexia typically exhibit intense fear of weight gain, often obsessing over their weight, speaking repeatedly of it or weighing themselves compulsively.
Dramatic Weight Loss
The fear of fat and resistance of maintaining healthy weight lead anorexic individuals to reduce their body weight through self-starvation or extreme dieting. A diagnosis of anorexia generally involves a drop below a person's healthy weight range, as designated by her doctor. If you notice that a loved one has lost substantial amounts of weight and makes frequent excuses to avoid eating, anorexia is a possibility. In addition, low body weight often affects body temperature, making it difficult for sufferers of anorexia to keep warm. Many individuals with the disease will wear multiple layers of clothing, either to hide weight loss or as a means of keeping warm.
If you notice dramatic weight loss in a loved one and suspect an eating disorder, try not to place emphasis on her weight or eating habits when confronting her with your concerns. Many anorexic individuals misinterpret concerned comments regarding weight loss as compliments and will likely become defensive when their eating habits are judged. Tell your loved one you fear for her health and emotional well-being, that you care about her and that you'd like for her to discuss her challenges with a professional.
Social and Emotional Withdrawal
Many individuals with anorexia become so consumed by their illness that they become emotionally withdrawn. They are exhausted from lack of food and, according to the Mayo Clinic, may over-exercise in order to burn calories and lose weight. Anorexic individuals frequently avoid social interactions where food is present, which results in lesser interaction and dampened relationships with friends and family members. As a means of hiding or protecting their illness and behaviors, they may isolate themselves from others often. Depression is also common amongst sufferers of anorexia, which involves elongated periods of low moods, such as sadness, loneliness and a sense of purposelessness. In most cases, treatment that addresses behaviors, emotions and physical aspects of anorexia are most effective.
