Anorexia Symptoms - More Than Just Losing Weight



Posted: Monday, July 14, 2008

by John Bell
Deep Dive Media

Sarah didn't think much about it when her daughter first started complaining about her hips. After all, Abby got them from her. It wasn't long before Sarah started to notice changes in Abby's behavior that worried her. She looked thinner, and she started avoiding family meals and exercising a lot. Was it normal adolescent angst or something more?

Anorexia Nervosa Disorder is an eating disorder where someone refuses to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height, especially less than 85% of a normal weight. The primary anorexia symptoms is that the person seems to be overly concerned about their weight and exercise level. There is a distorted perspective of one's body weight or shape. No matter how thin she may be, she can only see a fat person in the mirror.

Even though he or she may not each much, the person with anorexia may constantly think about food, develop food rituals, keep a food diary, and lies about food and their intake. He or she may try to hide their thinness by wearing baggy clothes or not allowing anyone to see them undress.

They will lose weight, may abuse laxatives, diuretics or diet pills, and exercise excessively - sometimes for hours a day. Young women will stop menstruating and may develop thicker hair on their arms and legs, as a evolutionary throwback to stay warm. Other physical symptoms include:

· Dizziness or fainting

· Brittle nails

· Hair that thins, breaks or falls out

· Dry skin

· Intolerance of cold

· Irregular heart rhythms

· Low blood pressure

· Dehydration

Because approximately ten-percent of known diagnosed cases of the disorder eventually die of related causes and complications, including suicide, getting professional help is critical. Treatment for anorexia generally includes therapy and nutritional counseling. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

More Info: Anorexia Symptoms
John Bell is a contributing writer to a number of health related and alternative energy related sites. He has 12 years of experience in Healthcare including Diagnostics, Drug Discovery and Emergency Medicine.
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