An unrealistic concept of beauty may have contributed to the increase in the incidence of anorexia nervosa in the last 40 years. Being thin has come to be identical with sexual attractiveness, and such influences may have a powerful effect on women who are deeply concerned about the way they are perceived by others.
the causes of anorexia nervosa are still uncertain and elusive. In a minority of cases, it is a symptom of a serious underlying psychological disorder, such as depression or schizophrenia.
Anorexia nervosa is almost always associated with low self-esteem. Many anorectics come from close-knit families and have a particularly intimate relationship with one parent. They are often obsessional and are usually anxious to please. Some seem unwilling to grow up.
Anorectics may lose one third or more of their body weight. Starvation interferes with the body’s biochemistry and can lead to extreme tiredness and weakness. The function of the pituitary gland is depressed, resulting in a decrease in production of the glands it controls. The production of sex hormones is upset, the most obvious result of which is the absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea). As hypothyroidism (underfunctioning of the thyroid gland) develops, the skin becomes dry, and the head and pubic hair falls out. A common feature of anorexia nervosa is an excess of fine, downy hair (lanugo) over the cheeks, forearms, legs and the nape of the neck.
There are characteristic patterns of behavior that suggest a person is suffering from anorexia nervosa. Behavior becomes secretive and defensive and indicates an obvious preoccupation with food. The anorectic often feels intensely hungry but this is usually denied. She usually wears clothes that conceal the body shape.
Food and weight dominate the anorectic’s thoughts. There may be constant exercising and a manipulation of relationships, which may result in broken relationships and a state of isolation. The anorectic may have difficulty sleeping and may wake up early. She may result to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to alleviate both hunger and depression.
John Attenborough is a passionate health researcher and writer, and he has been writing articles, reports and ebooks on weight loss and nutrition for the last 7 years. He also likes to be inspired by other wellness authors. His latest inspiration is this bestselling ebook at http://of-nutrition.com
