The All Too Common and Dangerous Eating Disorder

Anorexia nervosa is a serious health condition. It is an eating disorder that is characterized by severe eating limitations and the fear of gaining weight. It is one of the most common eating disorders in the world and can lead to severe health conditions or even death. Anorexia nervosa causes a person to become severely thin and frail. It not only effects the body, but it can also effect the mind and emotional state of the person suffering from the disease. Therefore, it is also considered a psychological disorder.

Dieting is a very common way to lose any extra body weight. However, if a person suffers from anorexia nervosa, then they will never feel satisfied with the way they look. They will take the dieting to the next level by limiting the amount of food they intake even more. The person may even take it as far as starvation. Anorexia nervosa also makes a person become obsessed with exercising. Since exercise is a key aspect in weight loss, an anorexic will overdo it to lose the weight faster. Taking diet pills or using laxatives is also common among people that suffer from anorexia nervosa.

When people hear the world anorexia nervosa, they immediately think teenage girls. However, this stereotype is untrue. People of any age and any gender can suffer from this disorder, in fact, the amount of male cases has risen over the past few years. Many things can cause anorexia nervosa. If a family member has suffered from it, you may be more likely to follow in their footsteps. If you strive to be perfect all the time, this can lead to the disorder. Stress in your life, such as money issues, divorce or death can also cause the disorder. Peer pressure is one of the most common causes of anorexia nervosa in teenagers.

Since the disease can become very serious, it is important to know the warning signs to get help before any serious health problems arise. First, you will notice the person rapidly losing weight, or looking too thin. Another sign would be that the person eats very little, or sometimes nothing at all. Thinning hair, brittle nails and dry skin are also signs that the disorder is present. Anorexia nervosa is very serious and treatment is needed as soon as possible. If you notice someone showing these signs, get them help right away. It could save their life.