The illness is both an eating disorder and a mental health condition. The disorder often starts with normal dieting to lose weight, but turns into a form of intentional starvation, causing a person to become dangerously underweight.
Symptoms of Anorexia
People with anorexia nervosa become obsessed with dieting and weight. They develop a fear of becoming fat and have a distorted image of their bodies, seeing themselves as fat, even when they're very thin. Under-eating, vigorous exercise, ritualistic food habits and abuse of laxatives cause excessive loss of weight. Most anorexic people have no history of being overweight.
Demographics of Sufferers
Anorexia can affect anyone. It is much more common in developed countries, such as the UK, than developing countries. Anorexia is more common in women and girls, though males can also suffer from it.
Anorexia nervosa usually starts in the mid-teens, although it can start at a younger or older age. Women are more likely than men to have anorexia - about 90 per cent of those affected are female. It's estimated about three or four people in every 100 have anorexia. Most deny they have a problem and many have depression. It can run in families.
Effects of Anorexia on the Body
Lack of food deprives the body of essential protein and prevents the normal metabolism of fat, resulting in:
- An irregular heartbeat that can lead to heart failure and death
- Dehydration
- Kidney stone formation and kidney failure
- Weakness because of muscle wasting
- Constipation
- Growth of fine downy hair on the face and arms
- Lack of calcium, which may cause osteoporosis or destroy tooth enamel
- Interrupted or no periods
Preventive Measures
It's difficult to prevent anorexia from developing because it's unclear precisely why the condition occurs. But it may be possible to avoid or address some risk factors, such as social and cultural pressures to be thin, bullying, low self-esteem and family dysfunction. The most important step is recognition by the individual that she's got a problem.
Treatment for the Condition
Anorexia can be treated, usually with a combination of psychological treatment and advice, help and support on gaining weight safely and healthy eating. Treatment also aims to reduce the symptoms of medical problems caused by the anorexia.
After assessment by a psychiatrist at a specialist eating disorders unit, counselling, antidepressants and advice on healthy eating may be offered.
Admission to hospital is often needed to treat any physical problems that have resulted from under-eating.
Some people make a full recovery from anorexia, and others can improve their condition. However, anorexia can also become a chronic condition. Occasionally, it can be fatal so it is very important that the sufferer receives medical support and treatment as soon as possible.
Resources:
The Foundations national charity for eating disorders
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