Anorexia Nervosa
Ashleigh Brushaber
What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Signs and Symtoms
- Excessive weight loss and loss of muscle
- Stunted growth and delayed sexual maturation (preteens)
- Gastrointestinal complications (Liver damage, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, stomach pain)
- Cardiovascular complications (Irregular heartbeat, low pulse rate, cardiac arrest)
- Skeletal System complications (Loss of bone mass, increased risk of fractures, teeth eroded by stomach acid from repeated vomiting (purge-type)
- Urinary System complications (Kidney damage or failure, urinary tract infections, and incontinence)
- Reproductive System complications for women (Irregular menstrual periods or none at all, amenorrhea, infertility)
- Reproductive System complications for men (Loss of sex drive, infertility)
- Fatigue, Irritation, Headaches, Impaired Judgment and Thinking
- Low blood sugar
- Cold hands and feet
- Weakened immune system, Swollen glands, Increased susceptibility to infections
- Laguna (fine hair on shoulders, back arms, and face) Head hair loss, blotchy, dry skin
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Coma
- Increased risk of self-mutilation
- Increased risk of suicide
- Death
Treatment
Prognosis
Personal Statement
Anorexia Nervosa is a dangerous disorder. I believe that the risk for becoming an anorectic has increased majorly over the past few years. Society is so caught up in being "perfect". People get degraded on for the way their body is shaped. It's okay to be "curvy" but not fat. You have to be lazy and love food, but not be "fat". Your not popular or considered pretty if you're a little thicker. So many beautiful girls go unnoticed because they aren't "popular". I believe the dress code is also a big factor into girls thinking they are fat. Girls and guys need to feel comfortable in their own skin, and not let what other people think affect the way that they present themselves. If you love food, then go ahead and eat it! Be who you are, and feel confident! Anorexia is so dangerous and people need to be aware of the health problems that follow being anorectic. There are people that have died from this disorder and it's nothing to joke about. I have heard people jokingly say that they wish they were anorexic for a week, so they could lose weight. That is not a joke and should not be said! Anorexia is a very fatal disorder and can cause a lot of issues. Don't ever wish you were anorexic, to lose weight. There are other safe ways to lose weight, ways that won't cause you to jeopardize your life. Be who you are, and embrace it! Because if you don't stand out now, you will regret it later in life. There is only one version of yourself, and you are worth it!