Anorexia

One of the most serious forms of eating disorders that a shockingly high number of people develop at some point in their lives is that of Anorexia Nervosa, often called Anorexia for short.

This disorder is much more prevalent in females than males, but males are definitely not immune to it. With everyone in our society becoming much more body conscious and many people being exposed to media images of thin models and celebrities on magazines, billboards, and TV shows, it seems everyone is on a diet.

Those who suffer from anorexia take their diet too far. Let's have a look at what this disorder is all about so you can learn the basics in case you or a loved one is suffering.

What Defines Anorexia

The DSM-IV definition of anorexia is someone who maintains a body weight at or less than 85% of what is expected for their height. Essentially, the person suffering from anorexia is very often very thin - thinner than what would be considered healthy.

That said, it is still possible to have symptoms of anorexia and not be at a low weight in the initial stages. Perhaps a more important definition of the disorder is a refusal to feed the body sufficient calories to maintain a healthy weight or maintain a healthy rate of weight loss.

Usually those suffering will sustain daily diets of 500-800 calories, which is well below what is considered the lowest point where healthy nutrition can be provided.

Why Does Anorexia Occur

Anorexia can occur for a number of different reasons and more often than not, they are psychological in nature. Usually it's a desire to be thinner as many people associate this with being more attractive and successful.

In some cases anorexia will also develop as a method of control. If other elements feel out of control in an individual's life, they may develop maximum control over their eating. They calculate every precise calorie going in and use self-deprivation as a way to punish themselves for other areas in life they feel they are coming up short.

Health Problems Associated With Anorexia

Anorexia is also a disorder that is characterized by some of the most serious health problems. Since those suffering will be taking in so few calories, nutrient deficiencies are almost assured to occur.

In addition to this, eventually the body may start to eat away at vital organs or even heart tissue, which would then prove to be fatal.

Those who are suffering will also experience reduced bone mass and density, so could set themselves up for osteoporosis down the road and women suffering will almost always lose their reproductive function, at least over the short term.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know is suffering from anorexia, it's vital to seek help. Generally this isn't a disorder someone just 'gets' past as it is quite serious and in some cases can have a deep under rooting psychological basis.

Medical intervention will be required in order to restore proper nutrition in the body and gradually bring the body weight up to one that's healthy while psychological counselling should also be undertaken to address whatever issues were causing the disorder in the first place.

If both of these are in place, then the prognosis for those suffering can be quite good, but note that it's going to be better the sooner you can catch the disorder.

So there you have the basics of anorexia. It's one very serious eating disorder that should never go overlooked and thought to be just a 'phase'. Proper treatment must be given otherwise it could prove fatal.