Countless people believe that anorexia is just about starving your body because you are conceited This could not be farther from the truth.
The actual definition of this disorder is characterized by severe restrictions of food and fluids, which leads to extreme weight loss. These individuals highly monitor their diets and they commonly over-exercise in order to lose weight faster. Even after the weight loss, though, they do not realize how underweight they have become and continue to "feel fat."
It is also common for people with anorexia to participate in the behaviour of someone with bulimia. This includes over exercising, binging, purging and taking laxatives, diuretics, diet pills or ipecac.
One of the hardest reasons it is difficult to recover from anorexia is the level of denial. This makes seeking professional help on their own very rare. It is important to notice the signs of someone suffering from anorexia. Below is a list that will help you.
Signs and Symptoms:
- rapid weight loss
- sensitivity to cold
- fatigue
- skin and nail irregularities
- irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- hair loss
- insomnia
- anaemia
- fine body hair covering skin
- social isolation
- not eating in front of people
- denial of hunger
- preoccupation with food and weight
- excessive exercise
- perfectionism
- depression and moodiness
- lack of concentration
- intense fear of becoming fat
- rituals around food preparation
Please check back with this column on ways to help a loved one accept help from a professional. There are things that you can do.
For books on anorexia, visit Gurze Books.
