Anorexia: The Signs and Effects
What is the price of perfection? With the rate of eating disorders on the rise and it having the highest mortality rate, what is the price? The younger the patient, the more susceptible they are to deprivation given the fact that their bodies are still developing. The most common effects tend to be one’s hair thinning and becoming dry and brittle as a result of protein deficiencies, a GI tract that has slowed down, that leaves one with a feeling of cessation because of an exacerbated sense of fullness and constipation, and skin that dries out, becomes bruised easily, and increased hair growth as a means of the body creating an outer layer of insulation. However, the more dramatic effects include hormone disruption, muscle atrophy, organ failure, and disruption in sex-hormone production, heart problems and calcium deficiency within the bones. The body begins to atrophy internally which parallels the external deterioration.
What are the signs of a person with anorexia?
1. Dramatic weight loss
2. Refusal to eat certain foods
3. Frequent complaints regarding body image and feeling fat
4. Constantly weighs themselves
5. Obsesses over body weight, food, diets, and/or calories
6. Makes up excuses to avoid eating meals with others and eating in general
7. Won’t eat in front of other people
8. Denies their own sense of hunger
9. Wears baggy/loose fitting clothes in order to hide their body/appearance
10. Exercises obsessively because they feel the need to burn off any calories consumed, and will do so even when sick
11. Has certain eating rituals, such as rearranging the plate, eating food in a particular order, excessive chewing, or eating certain foods (i.e.-brussel sprouts, mustard, balsamic vinegar, etc.)
12. Frequently cold and/or sick
13. Appears depressed, withdrawn, and/or moody
Family, culture, magazines/music videos, friends all plays a role in anorexia. Frequently, parents and/or family genetics play a considerable role in the development of anorexia. Several studies have shown that the brain chemistry is different in those who struggle with anorexia showing higher levels of serotonin. Anorexia can be treated and recovery is possible with individual therapy, family therapy, medication, and a nutrionist.
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