The Secrets of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa. No doubt you've heard of it. It's the eating disorder that plagues the teenage women of today. In the quest to lose weight, and maintain thinness, some young women have resigned to drastic measures such as starving themselves, often becoming malnourished and sickly. What I hope to inform you on in this article is the signs that you or a loved one may be suffering from this potentially deadly disease. One sign of anorexia is that sufferers fear gaining weight above or at their minimum weight for their height. Even if they are underweight, they can't stand the thoughts of gaining anything higher. They refuse, and often become desperate if the possibility occurs, to gain weight close to the set mark of the healthiest low body weight. One of the most obvious signs is the constant nagging they have over their self image. Saying that they are "fat" when they are obviously underweight. Often, the fear of gaining weight becomes so intense, it can lead them into a depression, or anger. Denial is another obvious sign. When presented with concern for their low body weight, most anorexia nervosa patients often have a very different view of themselves than the outside world. They often believe they are still too fat. They often deny that they have a serious health issue, and that they feel tired, sick, and depressed. Another sign is the change in their menstrual cycles. Amenorrhea is the absence of at least three cycles. This changes a young woman's mood, and hormonal balance. They often become moody and depressed. This is a serious sign that body fat is too low. If you have a loved one you believe is suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, you may not be able to ask them directly. Observe them. The previous signs that I just gave you may help you see into their lives a little better. Also, keep an eye out for behavior patterns such as complete restriction of food, and binge/purge. These two patterns are noticeable. If you have a loved one who is suffering from this eating disorder, please contact someone who may be able to help.