Anorexia: An Outsiders Perspective

Interviews of 4 people about the impact their loved one's eating disorder has on their lives:




What Is Anorexia?

Anorexia is an eating disorder where people starve themselves. Usually it begins in young people around the onset of puberty. Individuals suffering from anorexia have extreme weight loss. Weight loss is usually 15% below the person's normal body weight. People suffering from anorexia are very skinny but are convinced that they are overweight.

Anorexics have an intense fear of becoming fat. Their dieting habits develop from this fear. Anorexia mainly affects adolescent girls.

People with anorexia think they are overweight even after they become extremely thin, are very ill or near death. Often they develop strange eating habits such as refusing to eat in front of other people. Sometimes the individuals will prepare big meals for others while refusing to eat any of it themselves.

This disorder is thought to be most common among people of higher socioeconomic classes and people involved in activities where thinness is especially looked upon, such as dancing, theater, and distance running.


If you know of any one with an Eating Disorder, they need a lot of support. Suggest that they see an eating disorder specialist. Be prepared for denial, resistance, and even anger.

Symptoms of Anorexia:

There are many symptoms for anorexia, some individuals may not experience all of they symptoms. The symptoms include: Body weight that is inconsistent with age, build and height (usually 15% below normal weight).

Some other symptoms of anorexia are:

Loss of at least 3 consecutive menstrual periods (in women).
Refusing to eat in public
Anxiety
Weakness
Brittle skin
Shortness of breath
Obsessiveness about calorie intake

Medical Consequences of anorexia:

There are many medical risks associated with anorexia.
They include: shrunken bones, mineral loss, low body temperature, irregular heartbeat, permanent failure of normal growth, development of osteoporosis and bulimia nervosa.

Note : Continued use of laxatives is harmful to the body. It wears out the bowel muscle and causes it to decrease in function. Some laxatives contain harsh substances that may be reabsorbed into your system.