Anorexia Nervosa

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Weight gain is not only a physical problem but also a problem that never leaves a person’s mind as well. Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that occurs due to an obsessive fear and worry about weight gain. Anorexia Nervous results in severe eating disorder that results in weight loss.

People who suffer from anorexia nervosa eat an extremely low calorie and are constantly preoccupied with calorie intake and an excessive fear of weight gain. They would end up not only watching what they eat but also engage in extensive exercise and physical workout.

It is most commonly diagnosed in women than men. Women belonging to the adolescent age group are more vulnerable to this disorder and then older women.

 

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa.

Being on a severe calorie restriction and exercising extensively both are behavioural observations of anorexia nervosa. Apart from these, symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:

  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Dry, Yellow or Blotchy Skin
  • Soft, Fine Hair
  • Hair Thinning and Falling out
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Constipation
  • Missed Periods (More than three cycles without a period)

Behavioural Changes that are noticeable include:

  • Excessive Exercise
  • Irritability
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Denying Hunger
  • Use of Diuretics, Laxatives or Diet-Pills

These behavioural and physical symptoms are diagnosed as a disorder of having problems with one’s body image. This type of conditional living is very unhealthy and needs to be taken care of at the earliest. Once Anorexia Nervosa is diagnosed the individual must undergo a series of laboratory tests in order to acknowledge and understand the level of damage.

The main goal of treatment is to restore your body to achieve a healthy weight balance and a sustainable dietary pattern. It is a lifelong challenge to fight and live with. Dieticians and Nutritionists would help you achieve the same. Society also plays a pivotal role. Family, friends, and your social circle do definitely contribute to the confidence and the acceptance needed to deal with Anorexia Nervosa. With motivation, support and careful care provided this disorder is well manageable however depending upon the severity of the weight loss condition, sometimes the effects of anorexia nervosa may need hospitalized care.