Eating disorders are often discussed in relation to females. This may be because men are known to be great eaters and are generally unconcerned about petty things like being the perfect shape. Some of these eating disorders are chronic and are made worse by psychological conditions and even mental health issues. The most common amongst them is anorexia nervosa which is often confused with bulimia. Although similar, they have aspects that differentiate the two of them.
Anorexia nervosa is commonly defined as an eating disorder which is often self-diagnosed and characterized by the need to get to an unhealthy body weight no matter what. Sufferers are often in a state of denial and will confidently tell themselves/others that there is nothing wrong with their body size.
It has various causes, all of which are serious and not to be taken for granted. The need to fit into what the society describes as the perfect body shape and structure is the most notorious cause these days. Social media, television, and magazines are going out of their way to stamp the mentality that a certain look is perfect. If a girl doesn’t look like the models and influencers she sees, she develops low self-esteem and may develop anxiety disorder all in a bid to be perfect.
Bullying and fat-shaming, especially by those closest to a female, can push her to set drastic weight loss goals which can, in turn, lead to anorexia nervosa.
Pre-existing mental health issues can cause a female to become anorexic. There are also biological (genetic) and religious causes like long periods of fasting.
Anorexic females usually show multiple signs and symptoms that are characteristic of the disorder. They include but are not limited to; There’s also rapid weight loss due to a chronic fear of gaining weight. This same weight gain phobia makes them extremely conscious of how many calories and how much cholesterol there is in whatever they eat. They even see themselves as overweight, describing their extremely thin bodies as fat d ugly.
In a bid to become beautiful, they may go as far as forcing themselves to vomit, take laxatives to purge and even do rigorous exercises. Sooner or later, they may develop gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer, intestinal obstruction and regular bloating (constipation). Since the body is malnourished, tired and is being overworked, it’s not strange that anorexic people are often irritable and restless. The presence of severe fatigue and nasty migraines only help to make matters worse for these patients.
Their hair may be stunted, changes to a type of brown and their skin may be dry and lackluster. They may also have an irregular menstrual cycle or a total stop to periods which of course can lead to infertility.
Hallucinations and nightmares are common amongst sufferers, alongside chronic insomnia
Orthostatic hypotension is a condition characterized by dizziness whenever a person makes a sudden body movement. It’s not uncommon for anorexic females to suddenly fall.
Others include;
Anxiety disorder, depression and bipolar disorder (rapid mood swings) Memory issues (forgetfulness) and inability to focus for long Weak immune system characterized by easily falling ill Severe pain in the joints caused by bone depreciation (osteoporosis) Anorexic patients usually have little or no sexual interests. Isolation, self-hatred, low self-esteem and even suicidal tendencies Breathing difficulties and irregular heart rate (too fast or too slow) Damage to body organs and even death
Inasmuch as anorexia nervosa is more difficult to tackle than other disorders related to malnutrition like marasmus and kwashiorkor, there is still hope for sufferers. Here are some tips on how to help them.
1)Stop fat-shaming people. If a girl is overweight and doesn’t seem the least bit concerned about it, there are ways you can make her realize she ought to lose weight. It’s wrong to call her names, laugh at her and mock her in a bid to make her lose weight. Yes, your tactics may seem to be working, but you may be doing more harm than good to her. If she becomes anorexic and depressed, the entire story changes, please let’s be guided.
2)In a bid to help someone lose weight, DO NOT starve them. If you do it, their stomachs will get used to it and shrink badly, they’ll develop severe gastritis (gastric ulcer) and will constantly be in terrible pain.
3)Don’t place a recovering person on appetite drugs that will make them want to eat an entire house. Their bodies need time to adjust to the idea of eating. Give them food in very small quantities regularly. This is to prevent them from vomiting or getting constipated.
4)Fruits and vegetables are of utmost necessity to patients. It’ll help their body regain its functions, energize them and help them have healthy hair and skin. 5)Go in for therapy. There are various forms of therapy and all of them are really helpful.
*Join a support group. A support group usually consists of people going through the same ordeal as you. They’ll help you realize you are not alone, support you throughout the change process and celebrate your little wins. *Meet an actual psychotherapist who you can confidently talk to about your mental health issues including anxiety disorder and being bipolar (having rapid mood swings) amongst others.
*Meet a dietitian/nutritionist for tips on how to eat healthily and regularly. *Get a food journal where you record what you have eaten. You can also set alarms to remind you to eat and drink water.
Inasmuch as these tips can help you recover from anorexia nervosa, it is not an easy process. It isn’t a fast process too but one that can take up to 15 years before a person fully recovers from it. In some cases, it can be a part of a person throughout her life.
Relapses are also more common than most patients will like to admit. The same way a person who quits smoking can go back to it, that’s how an anorexic person can go right back to being anorexic.
But after all is said and done, it is in or place to help others heal and help them live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Christiana Ifeoma