Archive for July, 2008

 
Posted in Mental Illness on July-4-2008

Anorexia NervosaAnorexia 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.

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.

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.




 
Posted in Obesity on July-2-2008

weight loss programA 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.

There are several ways which you can find a suitable weight loss program for yourself. One of the way is to look for a weight loss center. There are many weight loss center across every country and this method have been known as one of the more popular methods for fat loss programs among people who are overweight. However such methods are known to be more costly and are known to be unaffordable for most people.

You can also rely on online resources as well. There are many of these around. Some of the more popular one I can think of is Fat Loss 4 Idiots which uses calories shifting to help one reduce weight.

In additionally, if you are the type of person who prefers to have 3 larger meals instead of 4 to 5 smaller means daily, you are at a highly risk of gaining weight. Therefore you should always check your eating habits or be prepared to take up a natural weight loss program.

The next kind of people that needs a weight loss program is those who suffers from belly stomach or a pear shape body. Belly fat is one of the most difficult to get rid of and people who suffer from them should seriously consider taking up a such a program.

An online weight loss program is very useful and effective for anyone who has a budget but at the same time wants to get rid of their excess weight. When undergoing these programs, you will probably undergo simple aerobic exercises or be taught an effective weight loss diet.
With so much being said, a natural weight loss program is not compulsory. It all depends on the individual and how much are they comfortable with their weight. Check with your home doctors to decide if you need a weight loss program.