Anorexia

Anorexia

Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder where the main characteristic is the restriction of food and the refusal to maintain a minimal normal body weight Anorexics may start by limiting or excluding foods that they perceive as having high fat or caloric content. Once an individual is convinced that anorexia is a good choice for them, they will most likely end up on very restricting diets, only eating certain foods in a specified portion. (Anorexia Nervosa)

Weight is a major concern in today's world. Fad diets can be found anywhere and everywhere. Because of these two issues, it is often difficult to detect someone who shows signs of possible eating disorders. It can also be difficult to detect an eating disorder because when do typical habits cross the line to being dangerous. Some typical behaviors have been characterized as ones that a friend/parent should be aware of. These kinds of behaviors are distinctive of a person who suffers from anorexia nervosa. Typical manners include: being cautious of food labels, obsessive appearance issues, excessive exercising, depressing thoughts, self-harm and/or injury, and/or unusual social behaviors. One can cautious of food labels to obtain a healthy diet, however, someone who becomes compulsive with food labels, fat content, carbohydrates, etc can be showing early signs of possible eating disorders. Favorite foods are rarely eaten and one does not enjoy food anymore at all. Oftentimes, the person can become vegetarian to mask the fact that they are no longer eating meats, fats, or necessary foods of a healthy diet. Appearance issues also become problematic when the image is no longer acceptable; even if the person is healthy. The weight loss is never enough and will not satisfy the person. Lots of time is spent in front of a mirror, inspecting body image, never liking what he/she sees. Excessive and compulsive exercise becomes an issue especially when the person is not receiving the proper nutrients from a healthy diet. Total intake of calories is less than what is being spent. This will result in weight loss, but not in a healthy sense. Additionally, when someone is not eating properly, it can also affect his or her moods and tempers. Oftentimes, a person will deny his or her true feelings, not opening up to anyone. Common lines include: "I'm okay" and "Everything's fine" when clearly, they are not ok, and everything is not fine. The person is moody, snappy and seems unhappy in general. Because some of these feelings and emotions can be overwhelming for some people, deconstructive behavior then results. Self-mutilation can be a problem, along with thoughts of suicide. A person may withdraw from their former friends and family, starting to be a recluse. Rejecting others is a common way to keep their feelings to themselves. Lastly, other possible signs of an eating disorder also include negative behaviors such as alcoholism, drug abuse and criminal acts. When on becomes anorexic, it affects much more than just their body. Anorexia is a disease that can take over one's life. (Eating Disorders Warning Signs)

Although anorexia can affect just about anyone, there are stereotypical people that have been classified as people who are more susceptible to it. Teenage females are most susceptible to this disease because of such intense peer pressure and competition among girls. Social pressure also contributes a great deal to why girls have a "perfect body" image in their mind, however, their body is just not made biologically to fit that. Since they do not fit this "mold," they tend to fall into eating disorders to try and fulfill this ideal look. Research says that almost one out of every 200 teenage girls will be affected with an eating disorder. Though peer and social pressures add to reasons why someone can be affected by anorexia, many girls (and people in general) are subjected to the same imagines, yet not everyone develops the disease. Because of this, there must be other reasons attributing to someone becoming anorexic. Family life often has an impact on someone's lifestyle. Anorexics are usually from families with rigid and controlling rules. As a result of these rules, a young girl may try to control her own body image, which shows independence from her parents controlling it. Other anorexics come from families that emphasize exercise. This emphasis can result in the child over-emphasizing healthy eating and exercise, contributing to an eating disorder. Children from families with sexual and physical abuse are also more at risk in developing eating disorders such as anorexia. Anorexics are usually perfectionists who criticize their body constantly, never happy with their image. Traditionally traumatic life instances can also trigger anorexia. These traumatic experiences can include: death in the family, changing schools, moving away from home, and/or ending a relationship. Not only are young girls afflicted with this disease, but it also can find homes in boys, adults, and even celebrities. Young boys tend to become anorexic during their adolescent search for the "perfect physique" is underway. Some tend to overlook the fact that boys can get anorexia because it is not as prevalent in them as it is in girls. However, they are just as susceptible to the disease as anyone else. Adults can also battle with anorexia for the same reasons a teenager would, but again,