anorexia nervosa :: essays research papers

Anorexia nervosa Overview Treatment Images Definition An eating disorder associated with a distorted body image that whitethorn be caused by a mental disorder. unsatisfactory calorie intake results in severe weight loss (see also bulimia and intentional weight loss). Alternative names Eating disorder - anorexia nervosa Causes, incidences, and peril factors The exact cause of this disorder is not known, but social attitudes towards body appearance and family factors play a role in its development. The condition affects females more frequently, unremarkably in adolescence or young adulthood. Gorging followed by vomiting (spontaneous or self-induced) and inappropriate use of laxatives or diuretics are behaviors that may accompany this disorder. Risk factors are world Caucasian, having an upper or middle economic background, being female, and having a goal-oriented family or personality. The incidence is 4 out of 100,000 people. Prevention In some cases, prevention may not be poss ible. Encouraging healthy, realistic attitudes toward weight and diet may be helpful. Sometimes, counselling can help. Symptoms      weight loss of 25% or great      cold intolerance      constipation      menstruation, absent      skeletal muscle atrophy      loss of fatty tissue      low blood pressure      dental cavities       change magnitude susceptibility to infection      blotchy or yellow skin      dry hair, hair loss      depression (may be presenthttp//health.yahoo.com/health/dc/000362/0.htmlAnorexia NervosaAnorexia nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Anorexia Nervosa has five primary symptoms Refusal to maintain body weight at or higher up a mi nimally normal weight for height, body type, age, and activity level. Intense fear of weight gain or being "fat." Feeling "fat" or overweight despite dramatic weight loss. Loss of menstrual periods in girls and women post-puberty. Extreme concern with body weight and shape. The chances for recovery increase the earlier anorexia nervosa is detected. Therefore, it is important to be aware of some of the warning signs of anorexia nervosa. Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa Dramatic weight loss. Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting . Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions against whole categories of food (i.e., no carbohydrates, etc.). Frequent comments about feeling "fat" or overweight despite weight loss. Anxiety about gaining weight or being "fat." Denial of hunger. increase of food rituals (i.e., eating foods in certain orders, excessive chewing, rearranging food on a plate). Consistent excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food. Excessive, rigid exercise regimen--despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury, the fatality to "burn off" calories taken in.