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Anorexia Nervosa Eating Disorder Causes, Symptoms and Treatments


Ironically, as concern grows over the rise in obesity rates, some people battle the opposite problem ? anorexia nervosa. People with anorexia are obsessed with food and their weight and body shape. They attempt to maintain a weight that's far below normal for their age and height. In extreme cases, they may be skeletally thin but still think they're fat.

Ironically, as concern grows over the rise in obesity rates, some people battle the opposite problem ? anorexia nervosa. People with anorexia are obsessed with food and their weight and body shape. They attempt to maintain a weight that's far below normal for their age and height. In extreme cases, they may be skeletally thin but still think they're fat. To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight, people with anorexia may starve themselves or exercise excessively.

Although anorexia centers around food, the disease isn't only about food. Anorexia is an unhealthy way to try to cope with emotional problems, perfectionism and a desire for control. When you have anorexia, you often equate your self-worth with how thin you are.

Anorexia can be chronic and difficult to overcome. But with treatment, you can gain a better sense of who you are, return to healthier eating habits and reverse some of anorexia's serious complications.

Symptoms

People with anorexia nervosa become obsessed with dieting and weight. They develop a fear of becoming fat and have a distorted image of their body, seeing themselves as fat, even when they're very thin.

Under-eating, vigorous exercise, ritualistic food habits and abuse of laxatives cause excessive loss of weight.
Most anorexic people have no history of being overweight.

Cause

The cause of anorexia nervosa is not fully understood. It is thought to develop from a mix of physical, emotional, and social triggers.

? Extreme dieting changes how the brain and metabolism work, and it stresses the body. These changes may make you more likely to develop an eating disorder.
? Genetics play a big part in anorexia and bulimia. Compared with people who do not have these disorders, people who have eating disorders are more likely to have a family history of an eating disorder, obesity, or a mood disorder (such as anxiety or depression).
? A combination of certain personality traits (such as low self-confidence along with perfectionism) and cultural and social pressures can play a part in anorexia.
? For some teens, anorexia may be a way of coping with stress and the challenges of the teen years. Stressful life events, such as moving, divorce, or the death of a loved one, can trigger anorexia.

Treatment

Self-Care at Home

? Recognizing that a problem may exist is crucial.
? Rarely are people aware of this problem themselves because this disease is defined by a distorted view of their own body image or weight. A family member or friend must recognize the possibility of a medical or psychiatric problem.
? A person with anorexia nervosa often resists questioning and is extremely secretive, usually denying any problem and making excuses for weight loss or eating habits. If pressed on the subject, the person may become angry or withdrawn, further complicating attempts by others to help.
? If you think a friend or family member has a problem, get that person to a physician, even if she or he strongly resists cooperating.
? There is no home remedy.

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Article Details
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Author:Ricky Hussey
Publication:Health, general community
Geographic Code:1USA
Date:Jan 1, 2009
Words:595
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