The Dangers of Anorexia
By Nadia Thurmes
Imagine you are a 14-year-old girl trying out for a ballet school. You thought you performed very well, but they still did not accept you. The teacher later admitted to you that you were not accepted because you were not skinny enough. After that encounter, you felt humiliated and did anything you could to get skinnier. You stopped eating and became extremely underweight. Once your mother realized what was going on she took you to the doctor. The doctor stated that you have an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa and you needed to seek treatment as soon as possible.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Did you know that anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with an estimated 5-20% of those affected dying from complications related to the disorder? Anorexia nervosa, often just called anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight. This eating disorder involves having an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight. Over time, anorexia can lead to many serious health consequences that include thinning of the bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis), muscle wasting, and weakness. This disorder affects more women than men, especially during the teenage years. Although anorexia has no single cause, there can be a genetic predisposition that causes a person to develop anorexia. Also, “anorexia nervosa is precipitated as a coping mechanism against developmental challenges, transitions, family conflicts, and academic pressures” (Morris & Twaddle, 2007).
Symptoms
The symptoms of anorexia may be difficult to detect because what is considered a low body weight is different for everyone. Some individuals who have anorexia may not appear extremely thin. Also, people with this eating disorder often tell others that they are just on a diet, or it is another physical issue. However, the symptoms of anorexia include extreme weight loss, thin appearance, and fatigue (Mayo Staff, 2018). Some of these symptoms can be similar to other eating disorders such as bulimia, but people with anorexia mainly struggle with an abnormally low body weight.
Complications and Risks
Anorexia is very harmful to the body, and can lead to serious problems. Anorexia can be severe and even fatal at times. In some circumstances, death may occur suddenly even for those who are not extremely underweight. Complications from this disorder can include heart problems (abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure), bone loss, and muscle loss. This disorder can also cause mental health issues such as depression and substance use disorder. By participating in certain sports you can become at risk for anorexia. “Certain sports and activities that focus on body shape and size. These include: ballet, bodybuilding, cheerleading, wrestling, etc” (John Hopkins Medicine, 2023). It is important to know the seriousness of these risks and complications of anorexia.
Treatment Options
When treating anorexia, it can involve doctors, mental health professionals and even dietitians. The treatment can include therapy and nutrition expert to gain a successful recovery. There have been no medications found to help treat anorexia. However, people with anorexia may be struggling with anxiety or depression. In this case, they have the option of taking antidepressants to lessen their symptoms. It is important to get back to a healthy weight. On the other hand, it is difficult to start treatment because many people with this disorder believe they do not need treatment, or they believe their disorder is a lifestyle choice and not an illness.
Ways to Get Involved
When I was in high school, I was constantly bullied for being “too skinny”. Even though I did not have an eating disorder, I did not like the comments that others were making about my body. That is when I realized that people with eating disorders are probably receiving the same comments. There is a stigma behind eating disorders that needs to be broken. Most people think that they can fix themselves, but it is not that easy. It is important to remember that anorexia and all other eating disorders are a mental health disorder. People with an eating disorder should not blame themselves for what is happening to them. You can get involved by becoming a part of organizations such as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), and Project HEAL.These organizations raise awareness of eating disorders and they support people who are battling with anorexia and other eating disorders. Another way you can advocate for people with this illness is by educating others in-person, or on social media. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder you can call the eating disorder hotline called The Emily Program at 866-479-5630.
References
Anorexia nervosa. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023, January 31). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2018, February 20). Anorexia nervosa. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353597
Morris, J., & Twaddle, S. (2007, April 28). Anorexia nervosa. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1857759/