Anorexia nervosa !

 Anorexia nervosa : An eating disorder causing people to obsess about weight and what they eat. Anorexia is characterised by a distorted body image, with an unwarranted fear of being overweight.

Research has shown that body image, poor self-esteem, dieting fads, and fat-shaming all contribute to the development of eating disorders not just in young girls but both men and women of all ages and social classes. Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. While men do succumb to anorexia nervosa, (5 percent to 10 percent of sufferers) women are more likely to develop the disorder in adolescence or young adulthood. Researchers have estimated 0.5 percent to 3.7 percent of all women, and 1 percent of female adolescents, suffer from anorexia.

Here are the defining features of this disorder:

(a) an intense and irrational fear of body fat and weight gain;

(b) a determination to become thinner and thinner; and

 (c) a misperception of body weight and shape to the extent that the person may feel or see “fat” even when starvation is clear to others.

These psychological characteristics contribute to drastic weight loss and inability to maintain a healthy weight for age and height and is extremely injurious to health, not to mention that when we are devoid of certain nutrients our mental and physical health won’t be optimal leading to severe mental problems also Feelings of inadequacy, depression, anxiety and loneliness, as well as troubled family and personal relationships, may contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Our cultural idealization of thinness is often a contributing factor.

7 Activities to Promote National Eating Disorders Awareness Month:

Attend a local event.

Avoid commenting on appearance.

Sponsor advocacy organizations.

Promote body positivity.

Share your own story.

Check in with friends and family.

Educate yourself about eating disorders.

Eating disorders are best diagnosed under the supervision of mental health professionals. If you recognize signs of an ED, it’s vital to get in contact with a certified treatment center or ED therapist.

The Need for Eating Disorder Awareness ?

Too often we forget that eating disorders aren’t simply about food, appearance, or beauty. Eating disorders are complex medical conditions that cause serious physical and emotional problems for people, and require treatment. Many misconceptions exist about eating disorders. It is important to dispel these myths to decrease stigma and encourage treatment. Individuals with anorexia are also eight times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population. Fortunately, eating disorders are treatable. As with most illnesses, the earlier an eating disorder is detected and treated, the better chance exists for successful recovery.

NEDA?

 Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDA Week) is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders, and to provide hope, support, and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

The next NEDA will take place during the week of February 21 – 27, 2022.