Anorexia

Contrary to popular belief, anorexia isn’t characterized by a problem with food. It’s true that anorexics will literally starve themselves, but this behavior is actually an attempt to use control over food as a coping mechanism for more severe emotional problems.

Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia

Anyone can become an anorexic, but most sufferers are teenage girls. Regardless of age or gender, anorexics usually exhibit several of the following symptoms:

• Distorted self image—believing they are fat when they are really too thin
• A fear of gaining weight
• Excessive exercising, often past the point of physical exhaustion
• Refusal to recognize the signs of hunger
• An extreme sensitivity to cold
• Unexplained hair loss
• Dry, blotchy, or scaly skin
• Trouble concentrating
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods

Anorexia is sometimes confused with bulimia, but these are two entirely separate conditions. A person who suffers from bulimia will consume large amounts of food, but vomit or use laxatives to avoid gaining weight. Generally, people who suffer from bulimia do not lose as much weight as anorexics.

Causes

At this time, it is not known what causes anorexia. However, experts have identified certain traits that appear to place a person at a great risk.

• A conscientious, hardworking, and achievement-oriented personality
• An intense desire to please others
• A fear of change or an insistence on sticking to a strict daily routine
• A fear of failure or a belief that mistakes make you a “bad” person

Some experts have observed that many female anorexics were victims of childhood sexual abuse. It is possible that certain anorexics are using a refusal to eat as a way to avoid coping with the feelings and physical changes that accompany sexual maturity. However, it is important to note that one does not have to be a victim of abuse to develop anorexia.

Among males of all ages, it has been observed that homosexuality appears to be a risk factor for eating disorders. It is possible that the cultural influences which encourage unreasonable standards of physical attractiveness may lead some men to develop the unhealthy behaviors associated with anorexia.

Although no one has been able to identify a “gene” for anorexia, the disorder does tend to run in families. One study found that anorexics were 12 times more likely than the general population to have a close relative who struggled with the disease.

Long-Term Consequences

Under no circumstances should anorexia be considered a “phase” that someone will eventually outgrow. Anorexics have a serious illness that requires professional treatment.

The health consequences of untreated anorexia can include the following:

• Frequent fainting, fatigue, and a general lack of energy
• Muscle loss
• Heart failure causes by an abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Kidney failure from chronic dehydration
• Ovarian failure, infertility, or an increased risk of miscarriage
• Death by starvation
• Suicide as the result of the depression that often accompanies an eating disorder

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