Eating Disorder
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Health Eating Healthy Eating Healthy Eating Healthy Eating

Disordered Eating

The obesity epidemic is a hot topic in the news, particularly since First Lady Michelle Obama has taken it on as a personal cause. 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 serious disorder known as anorexia nervosa.

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.

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

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

Click here for a printable copy of this symptom list.

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

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

How to Use This Site

BOOKMARK this site or add it to your Favorites.

Become an informed eater by clicking on the NUTRITION button and reading the general information there.

Check back whenever you have a question about your diet, meal planning, nutrition, specific foods or any healthy eating issues. Use the SITE SEARCH function to track down your particular concern.

Try some of the free recipes available on the site by clicking on the RECIPES button.

E-mail me if you can’t find what you are looking for, if you feel that any of the information on the site is not accurate, or just to say hello!

Eating Disorder Eating Disorder