In this article, we will describe 10 facts about anorexia, focussing on its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
It is characterised by a severe restriction of food intake leading to significant weight loss. Other related eating disorders are bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
Anorexia is not just an obsession with thinness that can be stopped. Although people with anorexia do desire to be thin, having anorexia is not something they simply choose.
It has a mortality rate of 5-20%, depending on the research study.
There is a female to male ratio of about 10:1.
And is associated with other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Individuals with anorexia nervosa may have a distorted body image, perceiving themselves as overweight even when they are underweight.
These include hair loss, low blood pressure, heart problems, kidney failure, infertility and osteoporosis.
They are not fully understood, but they likely involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions.
People with anorexia nervosa are at higher risk for suicide and medical complications. They often have other mental disorders (such as depression or anxiety) or problems with substance use. These also need treating.
The earlier the treatment, the greater the chances of full recovery – and it is never too early to start.
Recovery can be a long and difficult process, and many individuals may experience relapses. But complete recovery is possible.
It is also not true that you can ‘get over’ anorexia if you just ‘eat normally’. It is more complicated than that. Even though anorexia nervosa is associated with starvation, having the disorder isn’t about food or whether you are ‘eating normally’.
This typically focuses on promoting healthy body image, normal eating and exercise patterns, self-esteem, and coping strategies for dealing with stress and negative emotions.
We have described 10 facts about anorexia nervosa, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment. We hope it has helped you.