Anorexia – Warning Signs

“Self esteem is the reputation we acquire with ourselves.”-Nathaniel Branden

A psychological condition more than anything else, Anorexia Nervosa is a serious condition that often goes untreated. It has its roots in one’s lack of self esteem and the self image they create. There is a fine line between wanting to be healthy and obsessing over ones’ looks–and that line is not difficult to cross.

Anorexia is the most prevalent of all eating disorders: 1 in 200 women suffer from it annually. Over 20 percent of people suffering from Anorexia will die due to struggles with their condition.

Anorexia is characterized by:  extreme thinness or pursuit of thinness, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, denial about dangers of low body weight, extremely restricted eating, fatigue, insomnia, dry skin, constipation, thin or fragile hair, and absence of menstruation. Many of these symptoms result because of a lack of nutrients due to an improper diet.

Causes may be related psychological, biological, and environmental. For instance, western cultures have a standard of beauty based on a certain body shape or dress size endorsed by the media.

Red flags for anorexia include skipping meals, adaptation of rigid eating rituals, frequent checking in mirror for perceived flaws and repeated checking of weight.

Warning to all readers: never prematurely diagnose yourself or a loved one with any limited information that is available to you. If you seriously feel that you or someone you know is suffering from anorexia or any other life-threatening psychological condition, consult a qualified health professional today.

Hotline: Call toll free, confidential Helpline Monday-Friday, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time:  1-800-931-2237

For more information: National Eating Disorders

Sources:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/complete-index.shtml#pub2

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anorexia/DS00606