Eating Disorder
Anorexia Nervosa

Eating disorder

The obesity epidemic is a hot topic in the news, particularly since the number of morbidly obese people is on the rise.

Although obesity, especially in children, is a serious health problem, at the other end of the spectrum, are those who have adopted a near-starvation lifestyle due to a life-threatening disorder known as anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa is 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. 

Keep in mind that Anorexia Nervosa is a very serious disorder that can result in death.

Here is a list of symptoms to look for if you think someone you love may have anorexia nervosa.

Click here for a printable copy of this symptom list.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

--A distorted body image such as thinking they are fat, when they are not.

--An obsession with fat and losing weight when not overweight or even when underweight

--Irrational fear of gaining weight, even when underweight.

--Amenorrhea, which is missing her 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.

--Behavior that includes binges and purges using laxatives or self-induced vomiting.

Please seek professional help, if you suspect that someone you love has an eating disorder, 

Protein deficiency

Severe protein deficiency is most often associated with starvation and malnutrition and is a major cause for concern in developing countries, especially among children. Thousands of children die every day from malnutrition, which includes inadequate protein intake.

However, deficiency can also occur even in developed countries, where it is usually associated with those in extreme poverty, the elderly, or those suffering with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa. It can also affect those addicted to drugs or alcohol who may use their resources on the addictions instead of food or suffer from poor appetite.

What happens if you don't get enough protein?

Protein is a vital nutrient for a good health and well being. Depending on the level of deficiency, a person who does not eat enough protein may experience any of the following symptoms related to the functions of protein listed above:

-Anemia

-Anxiety

-Apathy

-Dry skin or skin lesions

-Edema (swelling)

-Fatty liver

-Fever

-Heart attack due to wasting of heart muscle

-Inability to maintain body temperature

-Irritability

-Lack of growth in children

-Loss of appetite

-Loss, thinning or discoloration of hair

-Malnutrition due to poor absorption of nutrients

-Muscle wasting

-Poor appetite

Reproductive problems

-Slow development in children

-Susceptibility to infections and disease

-Weight loss

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