Anorexia Nervosa
by:Tiffany Leite C2
Introduction-
Anorexia is a serious eating disorder that affects women and men of all ages.It can damage your health and even threaten your life.Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder with three key features that include;refusal to maintain a healthy body weight,an intense fear of gaining weight,a distorted body image.It is important to learn about anorexia because this disorder can affect anyone,at anytime.It can cause a negative effect on the person's life and overall health.Anorexia is caused when a person begins to obsess about their weight and what they eat.Thoughts about dieting, food, and your body may take up most of your day—leaving little time for friends, family, and other activities you used to enjoy.
Ten Facts About Anorexia Nervosa-
2.Three main key features which are refusal to maintain a healthy body weight,an intense fear of gaining weight,and a distorted body image.
3.There are two types of anorexia.
4.In the restricting type of anorexia, weight loss is achieved by restricting calories (following drastic diets, fasting, and exercising to excess).
5.In the purging type of anorexia, weight loss is achieved by vomiting or using laxatives and diuretics.
6.Anorexia isn't really all about food or weight,they are usually much more complicated than that.
7.The food and weight-related issues are symptoms of something deeper: things like depression, loneliness, insecurity, pressure to be perfect, or feeling out of control.
8.As anorexia develops, you become increasingly preoccupied with the number on the scale, how you look in the mirror, and what you can and can’t eat.
9.Anorexia may be a way of distracting yourself from difficult emotions.
10.It can damage your health and even threaten your life.
Five Things A Person Can Do to Maintain/Improve Someone's Health-
1.Admit you have a problem.The first step in anorexia recovery is admitting that your relentless pursuit of thinness is out of your control and acknowledging the physical and emotional damage that you've suffered because of it.
2.Talk to someone.It can be hard to talk about what you're going through,especially if you've kept you anorexia a secret for a long time.
3.Stay away from people,places,and activities that trigger your obsession with being thin.
4.Seek professional help.The advice and support of trained eating disorder professionals can help you regain your health.
Medical treatment for Anorexia-
The first priority in anorexia treatment is addressing and stabilizing any serious health issues. Hospitalization may be necessary if you are dangerously malnourished or so distressed that you no longer want to live. You may also need to be hospitalized until you reach a less critical weight. Outpatient treatment is an option when you’re not in immediate medical danger
Nutritional Treatment for Anorexia-
A second component of anorexia treatment is nutritional counseling. A nutritionist or dietitian will teach you about healthy eating and proper nutrition. The nutritionist will also help you develop and follow meal plans that include enough calories to reach or maintain a normal, healthy weight.
Counseling and Therapy for Anorexia-
Counseling is crucial to anorexia treatment. Its goal is to identify the negative thoughts and feelings that fuel your eating disorder and replace them with healthier, less distorted beliefs. Another important goal of counseling is to teach you how to deal with difficult emotions, relationship problems, and stress in a productive, rather than a self-destructive, way.