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How would you describe anorexia?
Anorexia (an-o-REK-see-uh) nervosa — often simply called anorexia — is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight.
Why is it important to know about anorexia?
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health illness. Eating disorders are unique among mental health disorders in that they manifest in physical health complications, which can lead to serious and life-threatening illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, organ failure and even death if not treated.
How do you feel when you have anorexia?
Behavioral and physical signs include obsessing about weight, weight gain fears, eating only low-calorie foods, distorted body image, excessive exercising, feeling exhausted, dizzy, bloated, constipated, cold, irritable, distracted and unable to concentrate.
What is the best source of information about eating disorders?
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder The disorder can result in significant weight loss or failure to gain weight in childhood, as well as nutritional deficiencies that can cause health problems.
What do you say to someone suffering from anorexia?
“I love you / I care about you.” Someone in recovery might feel unstable and alone. Let them know that they’re not, let them know that they’re loved and cared about. Don’t let anyone forget. Be an ally in this extraordinary fight against a dark corner of someone’s mind.
What are three facts of anorexia?
Here are 10 things you should know about anorexia.
- Fact: Anorexia Can Be Caused by Many Things.
- Myth: Anorexia Is an Obsession With Thinness That Can Be Stopped.
- Fact: Dieting Can Lead to Eating Disorders.
- Myth: Anorexia Only Affects Straight, Young, White Women.
- Fact: Anorexia Causes Serious Medical Complications.
What is it like living with anorexia?
What does anorexia feel like? Living with anorexia can feel like being trapped — trapped by food restrictions, trapped by a need to be the “perfect” weight, and trapped by fear of judgment from family and friends. Many people who live with anorexia have perfectionistic tendencies .