Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that characterized by low weight and body image distortion with a huge desire to lose weight and fear of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa has a different effect to the patients it may different to adolesents and in adults.
Anorexia nervosa usually starts in teenage years, most of them are female. Individuals with anorexia often control body weight by voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise, or other weight control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic drugs. For many individuals with anorexia, the destructive cycle begins with the pressure to be thin and attractive. A poor self-image compounds the problem.
| The main cause of anorexia is still unkown. Traumatic events like rape as well as stressful things like starting a new job, can lead to the onset of anorexia. Genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain may be factors in developing anorexia. Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often affected. | |
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A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. Behavioral and environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase the risk of eating disorders as well. |
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Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:
1. Extreme dieting, including skipping meals or extended fasting.
2. Self-esteem that depends on weight and appearance.
3. Skin dryness or flakiness.
4. Brittle nails and hair.
5. Intolerance to cold.
6. Poor concentration.
7. Dehydration.
Treatment will depends on the individual circumstances. In some cases, medication is necessary, especially where there is depression or serious compulsive symptoms. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. If the weight loss becomes serious admission to hospital may be required. Severe and life-threatening malnutrition may require intravenous feeding.
A Natural Weight Loss Program is suitable for anyone who are overweight to help them eliminate the excess fat in their body and also to reduce their weight. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is more than 30, than you should consider going through a weight loss program.