Anorexia nervosa is a serious illness involving self-starvation and/or over-exercising brought on by a distorted body image to avoid gaining weight. It is debilitating to the mind, body, and inter-personal relationships. Not only is food impossible to avoid, but society and the media promote images of thinness in film, television, and advertisements, fueling the obsession with one's weight and thus the illness. While the anorexic tries to hide the symptoms and severity of their disease, there are many outwardly symptoms that not only they, but family and friends should take notice of that indicate progressing health and psychological issues.
There are many severe symptoms that one with anorexia should acknowledge when considering the long-term effects of starvation. These physical symptoms appear gradually and indicate a shutting down of the body as well as adaptations to conserve energy and heat loss. The following are a list of these signs of precursors to more serious health problems:
- hair loss or thinning
- brittle nails
- menstruation absence
- fainting and dizziness
- thin, fuzz-like coating growing on the skin.
- ashen, dull complexion
- sunken eyes and dark circles
It may be difficult for friends and family to recognize the progression and negative impact of the illness until the weight loss is substantial to the point of emaciation. An awareness of the early signs of anorexia allows family to help take action, while also being supportive and understanding of anorexia as an illness. The emotional toll anorexia takes on a sufferer is self-deprecating and requires a sensitive approach while remembering it is life threatening and requires immediate attention from a doctor, psychotherapist, or possibly a hospitalization specific to eating disorders. Like any addiction, anorexia usually progresses in severity and with it recovery becomes a longer and harder process.
The main symptoms of anorexia to watch for include:
- an obsessive concern with being overweight and talking about food
- wearing loose-fitting clothing
- compulsion to look in mirrors
- over-exercising
- fatigue and moodiness
- excuses to skip meals
- extreme weight loss
- eagerness to cook meals for others while abstaining from eating themselves
The dire, long-term, and potentially life threatening conditions associated with the disease progression include:
- tooth decay
- kidney and liver disease
- intestinal problems
- anemia
- osteoporosis
- heart failure
As with any addiction, the earliest warning signs indicate a problem needing immediate attention. The emotional toll with anorexia is an equally vital reason to take action when noticing the physical symptoms. Self-esteem is deflated and the longer the addiction progresses, the more difficult it is to stop. Negative thoughts and low self-worth can accelerate destructive behavior and prevent an anorexia sufferer from seeking help on their own. If family and friends are aware of the symptoms and consequences of anorexia, they can research and talk to eating disorder specialists or a family doctor to discuss an appropriate recovery plan.
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