Anorexia Nervosa is a debilitating eating disorder that is characterized by an individual who continues to lose weight or tries to prevent weight gain even though they are in varying degrees of being underweight. An anorexic individual poses a lot of health risks upon themselves because of a distorted perception of self and tying their worth to their perceived image as a response to emotional distress. Thankfully, there are plenty of anorexia nervosa treatment centers available now that provide support, help, and guidance to those who seek them out.
Young people with anorexia are ten times more likely to experience fatality than their peers because of the disorder’s adverse health effects. If you are concerned that someone close to you may be developing or is suffering from this, make sure you know some of the clearest tells that they may have it.
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Aversion to food
Health professionals note that anorexic people do not necessarily have a bad relationship with food itself. It is the idea that it may contribute to weight gain that makes them veer away from eating. That said, it inevitably manifests itself with avoidance of eating any food as much as possible.
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Lethargy combined with weight loss
One of the most prominent physical signs is unhealthy weight loss that causes a lack of energy. It should be noted that not all individuals suffering from anorexia are severely underweight, though that is a characteristic present in long-term or developed cases. It’s essential to spot the signs of this condition developing early on before there is major damage inside, so keep a watch out for drastic weight loss and even a lack of expected weight gain.
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Stringent consciousness over self-image
A lot of social and psychological factors contribute to the development of anorexia. Still, a lot of its symptoms stem from a belief that they need to be thinner to have a better life, feel good, or look attractive. Though each person is different, it all boils down to how they perceive themselves and how their looks contribute to that. Whether it’s from years of being bullied over their weight or a desire to control their lives for perfection, that can be a red flag.
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Withdrawal from social eating
Often, friends and families get together over a meal and even bond over food. You may notice that someone with anorexia will shy away from these gatherings so that they can avoid the meal that it entails. It has been noted that those suffering from eating disorders will often hide this fact and try to mask their behavior and thoughts. So it’s natural that group settings over food may be an uncomfortable situation since it could shine a light on the fact that they are not eating.
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Gastric problems
Because of the poor eating habits displayed by anorexic individuals, it’s expected to see repercussions in terms of gastric issues, of which there are plenty. Common symptoms include bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, distention of the abdomen, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn. Often, that also results in an atrophied digestive tract that makes it harder to reintroduce a healthy diet. That makes it necessary to quell early or to start treatment slow and steady.
This disorder not only affects the quality of one’s life but can also become fatal when it gets severe. There is help available for anyone, and it’s crucial to find the right channels and treatment to get someone with anorexia the wellness they deserve.
