It is characterized by a low body weight, distorted body image, a fear of gaining weight, and a strong desire to be thin. Anorexia is a serious eating disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. A person with anorexia may restrict their food intake, exercise excessively, or use other methods, such as vomiting or laxatives, to lose weight. Symptoms of anorexia include malnutrition, organ damage, depression, anxiety, and even death.
Causes of anorexia
Anorexia is likely caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some of the factors that may contribute to anorexia include:
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It has been shown that some individuals are predisposed to developing anorexia due to genetics. People with relatives with anorexia or other eating disorders are more likely to develop this condition. Anorexia has also been linked to a specific gene called HLA-B27.
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Biological factors: Some people may have abnormal levels of certain hormones or brain chemicals that affect their appetite, mood, and stress response. In addition to low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and hunger, anorexia may also affect the hypothalamus, which controls hunger and satiety signals.
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People with anorexia may have personality traits or mental health conditions that make them more likely to develop it. These include low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. A person with anorexia may also fear becoming fat and have distorted perceptions of their body weight.
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People may be influenced by media, peer pressure, family expectations, or professional demands that promote thinness and dieting as ideals of beauty and success due to social and cultural pressures. Models, ballet, and athletes are also more likely to develop anorexia if they take part in activities that emphasize weight and appearance.
Symptoms of anorexia
The main symptom of anorexia is having a significantly low body weight for one's age, height, sex, and development. Other symptoms of anorexia may include:
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Restricting food intake or following strict diets
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Exercising excessively or compulsively
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Bingeing and purging behaviors (eating large amounts of food and then vomiting or using laxatives to get rid of it)
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Weighing oneself frequently or obsessively
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Avoiding social situations that involve food or eating
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Wearing loose or baggy clothes to hide one’s body
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Having a distorted body image or denial of being underweight
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Having irregular or absent menstrual periods (in females)
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Having low sex drive or impotence (in males)
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Feeling cold, tired, dizzy, or faint
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Having dry skin, brittle hair and nails, or hair loss
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Having poor wound healing or increased susceptibility to infections
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Having low blood pressure, slow heart rate, or abnormal heart rhythms
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Having low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalance, or dehydration
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Having osteoporosis (bone loss), anemia (low red blood cell count), or kidney problems
Diagnosis of anorexia
A doctor will ask about the patient's medical history, symptoms, and eating habits to diagnose anorexia. To diagnose anorexia, the doctor will also perform a physical examination and order some tests to assess the patient's weight, height, body mass index (BMI), vital signs, and blood and urine samples. The doctor may use the following criteria:
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BMI less than 18.5 or weight less than 85% of the expected weight for one's age, height, sex, and developmental stage
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Underweight people who have a fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
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The denial of the seriousness of a low weight or distorted perception of one's body weight
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An irregular or absent menstrual cycle (in females who have reached puberty)
A health care provider may also refer the patient to a mental health professional for a psychological evaluation and diagnosis. The mental health professional may use the following criteria to diagnose anorexia:
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The patient restricts their food intake or follows a strict diet to lose weight
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The patient engages in bingeing and purging behaviors (such as vomiting or using laxatives) to lose weight.
Treatment of anorexia
The treatment of anorexia requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions. Anorexia treatment aims to restore a patient's health, weight, and nutrition, as well as address underlying psychological issues that contribute to the disorder. Treatment options include:
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Medical care: This involves monitoring and treating the physical complications of anorexia, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, heart problems, kidney problems, or bone loss. If the patient's condition is serious or life-threatening, he or she may require hospitalization or intensive care.
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Dietitian or nutritionist counseling: This involves developing a customized meal plan with the patient to help them gain weight and meet their nutritional requirements. If needed, supplements or liquid formulas may be included in the meal plan. As well as education and support on healthy eating habits and behaviors, the patient may also receive nutritional counseling.
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In psychotherapy, the patient explores and changes the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that fuel the disorder. Additionally, coping strategies, stress management techniques, and relapse prevention techniques are taught. There are several types of psychotherapy available to the therapist, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), family therapy (FBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
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Anorexia can be treated with medications that can help treat some of its symptoms or co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. In order to treat anorexia, medication alone should be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
Prevention of anorexia
Anorexia is a complex disorder with multiple causes and factors. However, there are some ways to reduce its severity or risk:
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Promoting a positive body image and self-esteem in oneself and others
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Avoiding dieting or weight loss programs that are unrealistic or unhealthy
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Seeking help early if one has signs or symptoms of an eating disorder or a mental health condition
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Supporting family members or friends who have an eating disorder or a mental health condition
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Educating oneself and others about the dangers and consequences of anorexia and other eating disorders
The eating disorder anorexia affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a low body weight, distorted body image, fear of gaining weight, and a strong desire to be thin. It is common for people with anorexia to restrict their food intake, exercise excessively, or use other methods to lose weight. In addition to malnutrition, organ damage, depression and anxiety, anorexia can lead to death. Although anorexia cannot be cured, it can be managed and overcome with proper treatment and support.
