3 Facts About Anorexia That You Should Know Before Planning to Lose Weight
Anorexia nervosa, the medical term for what is popularly known ‘anorexia’, is an eating disorder which affects an alarmingly high percentage of women worldwide. Anorexia nervosa is defined as, “A psychological disorder characterized by somatic delusions that you are too fat despite being emaciated.”
Eating disorder statistics from eminent studies estimate that around 7 million American women suffer from anorexia. Adolescent girls are most susceptible to anorexia, though young and middle aged women, with a constant self desire and pressure to look ‘thinner’ are also vulnerable to this eating disorder. While you may have a desire to shed the extra flab, be informed of the ill effects of anorexia. A desire for rapid weight loss shouldn’t end up developing a serious eating disorder like anorexia, in you. Hence, we have listed some facts about anorexia that you should know before planning to lose weight.
Understanding anorexia: the illness
Being anorexic is nothing to be proud of. Anorexia is a serious mental illness with grave psychological and physical consequences. It should not be treated as a lifestyle choice as touted by few popular blogs. If untreated or undiagnosed, anorexia can be life threatening.
I. Psychological Impact of Anorexia
1. Depression
2. Anxiety
3. Irritability
4. Constant fear of gaining weight
5. Feeling fat in spite of being underweight
6. Social withdrawal
7. Low self esteem
8. Increased self critical assessment
9. Inculcating strange habits like forceful vomiting to throw out any eaten food
10. Feeling suicidal
These are some of the psychological consequences of anorexia.
