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Anorexia Nervosa
An eating disorder whereby one suffers from a loss of appetite resulting in self-starvation
1,385 Questions
How does anorexia affect your kidney?
Yes, here are just some ill-effects. I'm not sure if rapid drops in blood sugar that lead to coma and death are mentioned here. I'm also not sure if hyponatremia (low sodium) and the brain damage that is caused by that condition are mentioned. Needless to say, this list is an overview and is not comprehensive. Eating disorders are deadly. Even if one is lucky enough to avoid death, living with the aftermath is an expensive and physically painful undertaking.
: What Medical Problems Does Anorexia Nervosa Cause? Answer:
Anorexia nervosa can cause perhaps the most consistently serious medical problems of any psychological disorder. Because anorexia is in part a struggle with food intake, which is obviously necessary for the body to function, the body suffers in many ways.
Anorexia and Medical Problems in the Digestive SystemWith little food entering the body, how could there be digestive problems? Anorexia creates problems with the digestive system in part because the body forgets how to digest food and eliminate waste. This can lead to constipation and abdominal distress. Health Consequences in the Cardiovascular SystemThe heart is a muscle. Over time, the body will respond to being starved by using the body's muscles for energy. This means that the heart itself changes and becomes less able to do its job. In a person with anorexia, the heart may beat at an abnormally slow rate. Also, blood pressure can become dangerously low. As heart rate slows and blood pressure drops, the risk of heart failure goes up. Irregular heartbeats and shock can also occur.
In addition, restricting food means restricting the intake of iron. When the body develops an iron deficiency, anemia results. Anemia makes it difficult for blood to deliver oxygen to the various parts of the body, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath. Anemia can also make infections and heart palpitations more likely.
A poorly-functioning cardiovascular system also may be vulnerable to orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon sitting up or standing. If you've ever donated blood and left the chair too quickly, you may have experienced similar symptoms. These include dizziness, passing out, blurred vision, headaches, and a pounding heart.
Problems in Muscles and BonesThe link between anorexia and osteoporosis, a severe loss of bone density, is clear. Loss of bone density results from a lack of adequate calcium and vitamin D. Milder (though still serious) loss of bone density is called osteopenia. As bones lose mass, they become dry and brittle, making broken bones more likely. An 18-year-old high school student can have bones as fragile as those of her 84-year-old grandmother. Note that losing the menstrual cycle, which is common in anorexia, also increases the risk of significant loss of bone density.
As mentioned above, the heart is a muscle. Other muscles atrophy as well, creating a loss of physical strength. A lack of calories, vitamins, and minerals can also lead to impairment of the nervous system's ability to tell muscles what to do. This means a loss of general body control.
Problems in the Reproductive SystemIn women, the body requires a certain amount of energy to maintain a menstrual cycle. When a woman does not get adequate nutrition, her cycle can stop. This is called amenorrhea. Without a menstrual cycle, the woman is unable to get pregnant.
If a woman with anorexia becomes pregnant before she loses her cycle, continued malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies make a successful full-term pregnancy much less likely. Unwelcome consequences become more common -- miscarriage, stillbirth, and chronic illness or death in children who are born.
Damage to the KidneysDehydration and a lack of vitamins can harm the kidneys' ability to remove toxins from the body and maintain water balance. Low blood pressure also puts the kidneys at risk. It is possible for kidneys to suffer permanent damage or to fail completely under these conditions.
Dangerous Electrolyte ProblemsElectrolytes are necessary for nerve impulses to travel between the brain and the rest of the body. When a person becomes dehydrated and malnourished (especially having a lack of potassium), electrolytes get out of balance. This can lead to problems with everything from teeth to oxygen delivery to problems with the function of internal organs. The heart, in particular, relies on impulses from the brain for regulation. An electrolyte imbalance can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, one of the leading causes of death in eating disorders.
Other Medical Problems Associated With Anorexia- Weakened immune system from starvation, which leaves the body vulnerable to developing chronic fatigue syndrome
- Dry skin
- Brittle nails
- Fragile, dry hair that may fall out
- Growth of lanugo, a soft, downy layer of hair all over the body -- including the face and arms -- in an attempt to keep the body warm.
Source: about.com
its not like making people be anorexic or encouraging them, but its more like not agasint anorexia, like supporting them, instead of saying silly things that can make the initial problem worse. if you searched pro anorexia on google, you would find many sites where not tips, but supportive ideas to help slowly get better or to make you in your mind feel better.
How much underweight does anorexia occur?
Anorexia occurs when you feel insecure & unsatified with your body when its perfectly fine. Your mirror makes you feel that, you stop eating little by little. i was anorexic too, i was only 12 & i was a little chubby and i wanted to be skinny cause guys in my school would make fun of me so i lost 30 pounds in 3 months by starving dinner first, then lunch. I only at a little breakfast! never do it! i regret it, my boobs didint grow & my butt didnt grow and i was a stick and i rather have curves. You also faint & get dizzy and you dont know who you are anymore and you have schedules of what your gonna eat for the future, i planned mine untill college);
What is the most weight you have lost in a week?
Depending on what you weigh, a little over three. That's if you eat nothing at all all week. That's unhealthy.
What are common names for Anorexia-Nervosa?
It is usually just referred to as "anorexia" or, in slang-terms, "ana".
If you don't eat will you die?
eventually yes. It will take about 40-50 days and will be agonizing as your organs shut down and eat themselves one by one.
Yes i wanted to starve myself but i saw anorexic people & i nearly puked but if you don't eat you will eventually die!
What is the persentage of anorexia in america?
About 8 million people in the United States suffer from an eating disorder. (7 million women to 1 million men.) The estimated population in the United States (as of July 2008) is just over 300 million. So that's about 2.7%.
"Anorexia Nervosa is a dangerous eating disorder in which a person starves themselves in a desprate attempt to lose weight."
When a person is bulimic how often do they throw up and do they ever eat and not throw up?
Not all bulimics throw up. Bulimia is binging & purging. Purging can be throwing up, but it can be also through laxatives, over exercising, or fasting. A bulimic has to be a binge eater, a binge is eating a ton of food in a short amount of time. Such as 3,000 calories in a half hour. The bulimic has no control over this.
Bulimia is not just throwing up!!
Is amenorrhea a result of anorexia?
Severe weight loss or continued starvation can lead to a significant change in the menstrual cycle which can subsequently lead to the loss of the female's period.
What effects does Anorexia have upon family?
Anorexia, of course, can cause numerous health and emotional problems on a person. But the stress of trying to help and care for a sick person with anorexia is also tough on the family. It can be vrey stressful. Also, the blame-finger may be pointed and that can be bad and cause tension and fighting within a family, too. Anorexia may make the whole family more nervous and anxious, and be wary to be around the anorexic sufferer.as he or she may be come more sick by the presure of it all
What is the dsm definition of anorexia?
You did not specify the DSM edition. I couldn't find the definitions for DSM II or I, but you're probably looking for DSM IV.
DSM IV:
307.1 Anorexia Nervosa
* Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and
height, for example, weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight less than 85%
of that expected or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth,
leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected.
* Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.
* Disturbance in the way one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence
of body weight or shape on self evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current
low body weight.
* In postmenarcheal females, amenorrhea, i.e., the absence of at least 3 consecutive
menstrual cycles. A woman having periods only while on hormone medication (e.g.
estrogen) still qualifies as having amenorrhea.
Type
Restricting Type: During the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the person has not
regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behavior (self-induced vomiting or misuse
of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas).
Binge Eating/Purging Type: During the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the
person has regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behavior
DSM III:
Anorexia Nervosa
- Refusal to maintain body weight over a minimal normal weight for age and height, e.g., weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight 15% below that expected; or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth, leading to body weight 15% below that expected.
- Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.
- Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight, size or shape is experienced, e.g., the person claims to "feel fat" even when emaciated, believes that one area of the body is "too fat" even when obviously underweight.
- In females, absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when otherwise expected to occur (primary or secondary amenorrhea). (A woman is considered to have amenorrhea if her periods occur only following hormone, e.g., estrogen administration.)
There are many possible causes, as each case of anorexia is different. Often, anorexia results from a mix of a few causes combined into one effect that ends up as an eating disorder. Some common causes are bullying / teasing, OCD, BDD (Body Dismorphic Disorder), depression, extreme dieting, dieting gone wrong, low self-esteem, low body image, and some studies suggest there may be a genetic linked potentially involved, too, but that is not yet determined.
Anorexia is a addictive disorder that progressively gets worse over time. The disorder is a struggle for control in the persons life. Many anorexics as a side affect of lack of food become deppressed. Anorexia is often ended by the act of suicide. It is suggested to not directly approach the topic with an anorexic this only tends to make it worse. Anorexics will refuse treatments for many reasons such that it is a loss of control.
What is an eating disorder in which a person repeatedly eats large amounts of food and then purges?
It can be bulimia, or just binge eating then purging... so it may be either.
How do create an eating disorder?
You don't "get" an eating disorder like you do a cold. It is a condition that is psychological in nature and the eating disorder is a symptom of deeper feelings. Although some people are born with eating disorders, it can be triggered by stressful events in you life such as depression or little things like being called 'fat' or 'too skinny', it is a desire to change your appearance to greater extents. I also discovered from my parents that I developed an eating disorder around the time that I was sent to a nusery with abusive carers. At young ages it is possible for it to be triggered by someone around you dieting or being fussy with their food.
The official color for Anorexia?
Anorexia Nervosa is most commonly associated with the color red.
There are different colors for other eating disorders (e.g., blue or purple for bulimia nervosa; etc.) and other illnesses, both physical (e.g., lime green for Lyme disease) and mental. There is, however, a great degree of variance depending on region and place in history with many colors. Many unrelated meanings can represent different illnesses/causes and share the same color.
Is there a difference between Bulimia and Anorexia if so what and explain?
anorexia nervosa is when the person starves themselves because they feel that they are fat because of who they see in the mirror. they don't see themselves how others see them
bulimia nervosa can have some of the same symptoms, but instead of starving themselves, they binge (eat large amounts of food at one time) then purge (force themselves to throw it up)
What do you do when your friend is anorexic and won't tell anyone?
I would say in my personal opinion, that you should be there for her, obviously, but also let her know every now and then that she should get help. If it gets very bad, I would suggest telling someone like a trusted adult or a school counselor (this is part of their job!). I hope your friend will get help.
Who is at risk for development of anorexia nervosa?
Teenage girls are mostly at risk for an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia. Girls think that they are too fat or too wide and want to loose weight by not eating which isn't the way to do it. To prevent this, girls should exercise, and eat healthy. Your body will be fit if you do that. And when you stop eating, your muscle turns to fat, so you aren't getting skinnier. You are getting bigger.
What are the most common causes of eating disorders?
There are many causes of eating disorders. Usually, it is many small things that build up over time. Sometimes it can be as simple as wanting to go on a strict diet to lose weight, and then it just spirals out of control. Other factors are having low self-esteem, getting teased alot about looks or weight, BDD (Body Dismorphic Disorder), family history (some studies show links in genetics of eating disorders), outside influences (friends and family), depression, and many other potential factors can also play into it.
Does anorexia run in families?
Eating disorders aren't genetic. But, if you do have a family member who has or had an eating disorder, it is more likely that you will develop their habits later on in life. This doesn't mean you will automatically have an eating disorder, it just means that because you are used to their way of eating, it may be thought of as "the norm" so you might pick up on it more.
What happens in hospital when you have anorexia?
It depends what stage the anorexic is at. If they are at a dangerously low weight (below a BMI of 13.5) they may be tube fed. Otherwise, they will be started off by being fed normal meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as possibly supper and snacks) - smaller portions at first, which will be increased as the patient's body gets used to being fed again. Meals are carefully planned so that patient's diet consists of one third protein/dairy/fat, one third carbohydrate, and one third fruit and veg
speaking from excperience..i was admitted hospital with a BMI of 12.9 luckily i agreed to eat so i wasnt tube fed, im vegan which is why theres no meat dairy or eggs, they start you off on very small meals to avoid re-feeding syndrome(death), than after a couple of days i was on
breakfast - branflakes + 200ml soya milk + 2x wholemeal toast + tblsp soya butter
lunch - either tofu hummus or soya cheese sandwich made with 2x wholemeal bread tblsp soya butter, small side salad and half pack of walkers ready salted crisps, or large jacket with beans and salad. dessert was eaither rice based pudding or sponge cake and custard, all portions depended on how much weight you gained or lost.
tea - mousaka, lentil curry with potatoes, spinach cutlets with new potatoes (yuk) chick pea dhali, macaroni 'cheese'(yuk,again), 'sausage' n mash, nut roast and roast potatoes, stuffed peppers, etc..all meals were balanced 3rd protein 3rd carbohydrate 3rd vegatables. dessert 175ml soya yogurt.
evening snack - either cerial with 200ml of milk or a sandwich with a large filling if not gaining enough.
some people had snacks in between and extras in meals to help them gain some weight.
If you starve yourself how long will it take to lose about 20 pounds?
?
well starving yourself doesnt work dont .eating at all will stop you from losing weight only casuing you to overeat.eat less excerceses more alot more n youll see a change
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it takes 10 days, losing 2lbs a day.
What is the eating disorder when a person fears to eat because they will become fat?
obesity
2nd Answer:
The disorder is known as 'anorexia nervosa'. A person with this disorder is correctly know as an 'anoretic'. (The term 'anorexic' is a very commonly used, but wrong word for the disorder.)
