How to Recognize the Symptoms of Anorexia

Most parents don't see the symptoms of anorexia until it's too late. Too many teenagers have fallen victim to this insidious eating disorder, and by the time the massive weight loss is noticed, the ravaging effects of anorexia have already begun to take place. There are reasons that such a high number of teens become anorexic, and if the signs are noticed soon enough, the damage caused by this disorder can be kept to a minimum.

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa, or anorexia for short, is the unreasonable worry of getting fat. This is combined with being relentless about getting as thin as possible. The extremes that people with this disorder go to are incredible and are considered to be the symptoms of anorexia. They feel they MUST reach and keep such a low body weight that it endangers their very lives. The mind set of someone with anorexia is that no matter how much weight they lose, it's never enough. Losing even more weight is an obsession and the effects of anorexia are typically not noticed by the victim.

There are basically 2 types of anorexia. One type is known as the Restricting Type. People with this type of anorexia control their caloric intake through rigidly monitoring how much they're eating. They also are the ones who are drawn to unhealthy diets, unnatural fasting, and exercising to the extreme. The second type is known as the Purging Type. Victims of this type use vomiting, laxatives and diuretics to rid their bodies of any food that may have passed their lips.

What are the Symptoms of Anorexia?

Teens who suffer from anorexia are very good at covering up their symptoms. That's why it's necessary to know just what to look for when trying to be certain if someone is anorexic or not. Even when they're confronted with proof, they'll try to explain it away rather than admit to anything. In fact, they probably don't understand that others see their appearance much more differently than they do when they face the mirror. For this reason, it's vital to catch this disorder in the early stages. By the time the effects of anorexia are noticed, there's a lot of damage already done to the body.

The following are some important symptoms of anorexia to watch for:

• In spite of being thin already, the person is obsessed with dieting only eating certain very low calorie foods. "Bad" foods like fats and carbohydrates are banned.
• The anorexic person will be obsessed with counting calories, and reading labels on all foods before deciding to eat it.
• This person lies about eating or only pretends to eat.
• There's a preoccupation with food. The anorexic will not eat but is thinking constantly about food and may cook elaborate meals for family and friends, while not actually eating any of it.
• The anorexic may take part in odd or secret eating rituals.
• This person may disappear into the bathroom immediately following a meal, using running water to hide the sounds of vomiting, and re-emerges smelling of mouthwash.
• These people indulge in punishing exercise regimens.

Effects of Anorexia

• Physically, anorexia causes dramatic weight loss to the point that the skeletal frame can be seen through the skin. Teens with anorexia often wear baggy clothing to hide this fact.
• Menstrual periods will cease.
• There's a feeling of being cold all the time.
• Constipation and abdominal pains become constant.
• Headaches, dizziness, and even fainting are common.

These are just the initial effects of anorexia. As the disorder progresses, important organs in the body begin to feel the damage that is being done.

Seeking Help for Anorexia

While anorexia is a very serious, disturbing, and sad disorder, it's important to understand that once the symptoms of anorexia are noticed, there are ways to get help. The first step is, of course, getting the victim to admit there's a serious problem. That will be the largest hurdle to clear. Begin with a visit to the family doctor for an open and honest conversation.

Autor: Scott Mogul

To learn more about eating disorders, please visit http://www.mirror-mirror.org/eatdis.htm For more information about helping a loved one with anorexia, please visit us at http://www.mirror-mirror.org/girls-with-anorexia.htm

Added: June 21, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/