Is Anorexia Serious?

Did you know that anorexia has the second highest death rate of any mental illness, surpassed only by opioid overdose?  Most of the anorexia deaths are caused by heart conditions brought on by lack of nutrients or death by suicide.

In this article we will define anorexia and explore warning signs, symptoms, risk factors and treatment.

According to Mayo Clinic, anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by food restriction, body image disturbances, fear of gaining weight, and an overpowering desire to be thin.  This eating disorder causes changes in the brain and is not something someone chooses.  To prevent weight gain or in order to lose weight, people with anorexia often limit the amount or type of food they eat.  They place high value on controlling their weight and shape and may use extreme efforts that can result in great harm.

Psychology Today says warning signs of anorexia include rapid weight loss, an obsession with weight, food, or dieting.  They may develop rituals and rules about when and what foods can be eaten, exercise excessively, eat alone or withdraw socially.  Mayo Clinic names physical symptoms such as stomach pain, constipation and exhaustion.  Dehydration can happen when your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out normal functions.  The fingers may appear blue, and the skin looks dry.  The hair may thin, break or fall out.  Other symptoms of anorexia may include fatigue or weakness, dizziness or fainting, cold intolerance, swelling of arms and legs, wearing away of the teeth, never feeling hungry, having a hard time focusing, depression, anxiety, stress fractures or reduced bone mass.

According to Wikipedia, the causes of anorexia are unknown, but family history and cultural factors may play a part.  Did you know that women are three times more likely to experience anorexia than men? For men with anorexia, decreased testosterone is a symptom.  Risk factors include childhood obesity, being female, mood disorders, and personality traits such as impulsivity and being perfection driven.  History of sexual abuse may be a risk factor as well.

Information from Mayo Clinic says that with treatment, people with anorexia can gain weight, develop healthy eating habits, and reverse some of the medical complications.  Treatment by a psychiatrist may include medications used for depression to increase appetite, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), according to Wikipedia.  Family Behavioral Therapy (FBT)  is a treatment that can be used for children Anorexia is a very serious eating disorder that impacts all aspects of life.  It should not be ignored. Help is available.

Here are 2 Eating Disorder Hotlines:

• National Alliance for Eating Disorders: 1-866-662-1235, M-F 9:00 am-7:00 pm
• ANAD Helpline (Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders): 1-888-375-7767

For more information, you may want to check out this YouTube video.

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