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Anorexia Nervosa

Healthy Eating Definitions Healthy Eating Definitions Healthy Eating Definitions

Healthy Eating Definitions Healthy Eating Definitions Healthy Eating Definitions

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image that results in self-starvation and can lead to serious health issues and even death. This disorder is particularly prevalent among teenage girls, although it does affect boys and adults to a lesser degree.

Things to look for if you think someone you love may have this eating disorder:

*Distorted body image such as thinking they are fat, when they are not.

*Obsession with fat and losing weight when not overweight or even underweight

*Irrational fear of gaining weight, even when underweight.

*Amenorrhea, which is missing period at least three months in a row.

*May have unusual food behaviors such as cutting food into very small pieces or being unable to eat a normal portion of food.

*Binging and purging behavior using laxatives or self-induced vomiting.

Anorexia Nervosa is a very serious disease that can result in death.

Effects

*Malnutrition

*Muscle wasting—including heart muscle

*Electrolyte depletion and imbalance

*Stunted growth and development in teens

*Poor resistance to sickness and disease due to a compromised immune system

*Digestive disturbance and discomfort

*Insomnia

*Brain dysfunction

*Amenorrhea

*Inability to maintain body temperature causing increase in body hair

*Dry skin

*Death due to heart attack, liver failure or kidney failure

Treatment

Each case of anorexia nervosa is unique, and must be handled on an individual basis. Since eating disorders are complex, involving physical, mental and emotional factors, treatment must be a cooperative effort between physicians, therapists and family who can address each of these areas. The weight loss has to be addressed, especially if it has reached a dangerous level, and at the same time, the underlying emotional issues must be understood.

If you suspect that someone you love has an eating disorder, please seek professional help as soon as possible.

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