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INFOBITS
The mortality rate among people with anorexia is 12 times higher than the death rate among females ages 15 to 24 from all other causes.26
Females are more likely to develop an eating disorder than males.27
Eating disorders frequently develop during adolescence or early adulthood, but some reports indicate their onset can occur during childhood or later in adulthood.28
An estimated 0.5 to 3.7 percent of females suffer from anorexia nervosa in their lifetime.29
Ten percent of those with anorexia will die as a result of complications.30
An estimated 1.1 percent to 4.2 percent of females have bulimia nervosa in their lifetime.31
Ten percent of those with anorexia will die as a result of complications. 32
Community surveys have estimated that between 2 percent and 5 percent of Americans experience binge-eating disorder in a 6-month period.33
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Anorexia Nervosa
It is an illness characterized by having a severe preoccupation with being thin. Anorexia nervosa is accompanied by an immense fear of gaining weight and an obsession with one’s body image. Its symptoms include:
- Refusal to maintain a normal body weight
- Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Diminished interest in sex
- Suicidal thoughts
- Using or abusing laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics to control weight
- Extreme dieting, fasting, or exercising excessively
The number of symptoms experienced and the severity of each will vary with individuals and varies over time.
Anorexics are likely to equate being thin with social acceptance, largely due to cultural ideals and media influences on society. Even when emaciated, they will still perceive themselves as being overweight.
Anorexics will derive a sense of fulfillment from losing weight, and will perceive weight gain as failure. Control of one’s body through weight is a significant theme in anorexics, to the point where it will interfere or hinder one’s daily activities.
The individual will repeatedly weigh themselves, measure body parts, and count every calorie ingested. The restriction of caloric intake and starvation is usually the method of weight loss. Calorie restriction can be so extreme, that some individuals will only consume 200 calories a day, a number far below the recommended daily intake.
Anorexia is often triggered by a single traumatic event, sexual abuse, or extended periods of stress. On the surface, it may appear to be only an obsession with weight. However, there are many underlying emotional issues that need to be resolved as well.
Anorexia nervosa is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse and anxiety disorder. Furthermore, these are complicated by other medical conditions including brittle hair and nails, dehydration, constipation, anemia, loss of energy, loss of menstrual periods, osteopenia (low bone density), heart failure and liver disease, which can lead to death. These serious mental health and medical illnesses must also be included in the treatment plan.
“I can’t believe I gained 2 pounds! I’m so fat I hate myself. My friends said I’m too thin but at 5’8” tall, I’m at my best at 103 pounds. Now I’m at 105. I don’t understand it…I stick to my 500-calorie a day diet. Maybe I should skip dinners…that should do it.”
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The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are not alone.
Getting treatment for eating disorders is a team effort. It is crucial in the treatment of eating disorders not only to help change unhealthy eating habits, but to address the underlying emotional problems behind them. Because of the complexity of this illness, a comprehensive treatment plan is required, including medical care and monitoring for any physical complications, psychotherapy, support groups, nutritional counseling and medication, if necessary. Outpatient and inpatient programs combining all these elements have also proven to have high success rates in the treatment of eating disorders.
By working with your doctor, therapist, and / or nutritionist, you can take control to find the approach that is the most appropriate for your needs. So do not lose hope.
Get help today, for tomorrow enjoy better living and brighter horizons.
The following are additional resources for eating disorders
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
603 Stewart Street, Suite 803
Seattle, WA 98101
Tel: 800.931.2237
Email: info@NationalEatingDisorders.org
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. (ANRED)
http://www.anred.com/
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
http://www.anad.org/
PO Box 7
Highland Park, IL 60035
Tel: 847. 831.3438
Email: anad20@aol.com |
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