The actual definition of anorexia nervosa is characterized by severe restrictions of food and fluids, which leads to extreme weight loss.
These individuals highly monitor their diets and they commonly over-exercise in order to lose weight faster. Even after the weight loss, though, they do not realize how underweight they have become and continue to "feel fat."
It is also common for people with anorexia to participate in the behaviour of someone with bulimia. These include over exercising, binging, purging and taking laxatives, diuretics, diet pills or ipecac.
One of the hardest reasons it is difficult to recover from anorexia is the level of denial of the individual. This makes seeking professional help on their own very rare. It is important to notice the signs of someone suffering from anorexia. Below is a list that will help you.
Anorexia Symptoms:
- rapid weight loss
- sensitivity to cold
- fatigue
- skin and nail irregularities
- irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- hair loss
- insomnia
- anaemia
- fine body hair covering skin
- social isolation
- not eating in front of people
- denial of hunger
- preoccupation with food and weight
- excessive exercise
- perfectionism
- depression and moodiness
- lack of concentration
- intense fear of becoming fat
- rituals around food preparation
If someone you know needs help with anorexia, please refer them to these lists of Canadian Eating Disorder Treatment Centres and Treatment Centers in the United States and read a first person account here.
Read this author's book of poetry about her own recovery here.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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