What You Should Know About Anorexia

Posted February 8, 2018

Making sure you are losing weight in a healthy way.

The importance of a proper diet cannot be stressed enough when discussing how to avoid being overweight. However, taking care to avoid being underweight is just as important. Anorexia Nervosa is a serious disorder where a person is so worried about losing weight that he or she refuses to eat at all. With February being Anorexia Awareness Month, it’s a fitting time to give you all that you should know about this eating disorder.

What Leads to Anorexia?

  • Biological Anorexia is the third most common disease among teens and young adults. Although it is unclear which genes are involved, there is evidence of genetic changes that can lead to anorexia. In addition, if you have a close relative who has a history of anorexia or other eating disorders, you have a much higher risk of developing anorexia. Gender also plays a role. Females are far more likely to develop eating disorders, however there has been a noticeable increase of eating disorders in men.
  • Psychological If you already struggle with a mental disorder, you could be at risk for developing anorexia. Many additional pressures can cause other disorders to worsen lead to potentially developing anorexia.
  • Environmental Social pressures through media and activities with peers, can be risk factors for anorexia. Anorexia Nervosa is more common in teens that adults, however it can affect anyone of any age. The media still portrays actors & models in such a way that is difficult for young people to consistently follow. Pair that with the increased about of peer pressure and struggles

Signs to Watch for

  • Physical symptoms There are a lot of possible physical symptoms for Anorexia Nervosa. Some examples are extreme weight loss, insomnia, dizziness & fatigue.
  • Emotional or behavioral symptoms Some emotional or behavioral symptoms are less obvious signs of anorexia. Severe restrictions on food intake or dieting can be a sign, but it is worth mentioning that sometimes a person feels the need to strictly discipline themselves in order to lose a healthy weight. More dangerous and obvious signs are consistently refusing to eat at all, or forced vomiting.

What can You do to Help?

If you have a loved one who is struggling with anorexia, it is important for you to be open and honest with them. Like anyone with a disorder, your loved one is struggling and needs your love and support. Express your concern for them, be firm but gentle, and make sure they understand that you are there to help and support them. Just as is the case with any disorder, anorexia does not need to be, and in many cases cannot be, a battle fought alone. If you struggle with anorexia, it is important that you realize you can only recover if you want it.

http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/how-to-help-a-loved-one/

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/anorexia-nervosa

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/factors-may-contribute-eating-disorders

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591

https://www.mccallumplace.com/anorexia-causes.html

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/03/treating-anorexia-in-adults/475845/

Let Us Join Your Support System

Another key step in staying healthy is staying on top of your medication regimen. We care about your health, and we want to be a part of your support system. This is why MedaCheck’s app, Habit, sends off an alert when it’s time to take your medication, along with a photo of the drug, the name of the medication, and any specific instructions to take the medication properly—because it’s not just about taking your medication on time, it’s about doing it the right way. Want to learn more about MedaCheck’s easy-to-use medication reminder system? If you’re a hospital, care center, healthcare organization or home care provider, employer or individual, visit www.medacheck.com.