Among various health conditions and mental illnesses, eating disorders often go undiagnosed specifically in America each day. And out of three different types of eating disorders, people are mostly aware of anorexia nervosa. Unfortunately, a lot of people who are affected with it continue to suffer because of denial. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that distorts people’s sense of reality while their body deteriorates day by day. A lot of people have heard of anorexia, but how many of them know of its signs and symptoms and how dangerous it can be?
Obsessing Over Body Image
One of the key symptoms of anorexia is that people suffering from it avoid mirrors because they hate their body. People who have anorexia can’t see beyond the bathroom scales to appreciate their unique beauty and talent. If someone has an eating disorder, they become obsessed with weight loss and fantasize about liposuction and plastic surgery.
Drastic Weight Loss
Even though standards of height and weight may vary a little, they are a rational measure to figure out ideal weight and body mass index. Too much weight loss is as dangerous to your health as being overweight.
Body Image Becomes A Parameter Of Self-Worth
Every person is unique in their own way and is a triad being of body, mind and soul. Besides these three elements, character is what makes self-worth of a person. If someone’s self-esteem relies on their weight and body shape, there is something definitely not right about it. A person suffering from anorexia tends to constantly feel self-doubt because of their distorted body image.
Eating Only Low-Fat And Low-Calorie Foods
No doubt medical and fitness experts advise eating whole, nutritious foods to maintain optimal health. And one should prioritize low-fat and low-calorie in our routine diet. However, people with anorexia nervosa obsess too much about their calories intake and fat content as they are always trying to lose weight. Besides being obsessed with their diet and losing weight, anorexic people are engrossed with exercising. They spend a major chunk of their day exercising or hitting the gym. However, as their body is already in starvation mode they can only lose muscle mass which further encourages delusion.
Avoiding Eating In Public
People who have social anxiety tend to get uncomfortable in gatherings regardless of involvement of food in the gathering. A person could have an eating disorder like anorexia if they are avoiding eating in public as they fear that people are watching or judging them for their eating habits. They are hesitant of people noticing how little they eat. They try to distract attention from themselves by avoiding eating meals around their family or friends. They may put a few things on their plate and pretend that they are eating. Besides, they may also claim that they are full and put their food in a bag to feed their pet instead.
Skipping Meals For Days
A lot of people tend to skip a meal when they are in a rush or are not feeling well. But it becomes a matter of concern if it becomes a daily habit specifically if you crave the food. One of the classic symptoms of anorexia is that the person starts skipping meals and induce starvation in themselves.
Wearing Baggy Clothes
Though most people love to wear baggy outfits when they are out lounging or working in the yard, people with anorexia have a wardrobe that is dominated by oversized clothes. They wear baggy clothes to mask their thin bodies in order to avoid questions from others.
In Case Of Females, Irregular Periods
Every woman has a unique menstrual cycle pattern for each month. Though it is absolutely normal to miss a period sometimes, some medical conditions or medication may make them stop entirely. Malnutrition from anorexia can damage a woman’s reproductive system drastically that includes period cessation and infertility.
Considering Themselves Overweight
Normally, when people change their lifestyle and reach their weight loss goal they have a right to feel proud of themselves. However, a few people may continue to see themselves as overweight regardless of losing a considerable amount of weight. Such people might have anorexia as this mental disorder induces feelings of low self-worth and gives you a delusion that you are fat even when you are not.
Extreme Mood Swings
Feelings of irritability and mood swings once in a while is absolutely normal, however, if someone has extreme mood swings regularly it could be a symptom of anorexia. Anxiety, depression, and impulsivity are commonly found in people with anorexia. The reason behind this could be hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies.
