Anorexia Symptoms

Recognizing Anorexia Symptoms

Anorexia symptoms may be difficult to recognize. Individuals with anorexia symptoms often take extreme measures to avoid eating. They may lie or make excuses for not eating. They may claim to be dieting, say they have become vegetarians or vegans, or say they are fasting for religious reasons. Often they will deny even being hungry.

Because individuals with anorexia symptoms avoid eating, they often become abnormally thin - and still talk about feeling fat or bloated. Because they have a distorted image of their body, they often will continue to diet, even when they are severely underweight.

In spite of dieting, people with anorexia symptoms are typically preoccupied with food, cooking, nutrition and the number of calories in each meal.

Another symptom of anorexia is the tendency to exercise obsessively - well beyond what is needed to maintain good health. Individuals with anorexia also weigh themselves frequently. They often restrict not only food, but also relationships, social activities and pleasure.

Physical symptoms of anorexia include thinning hair, dry, flaky skin and cracked or broken nails. Woman with anorexia symptoms often stop menstruating.

Causes of Anorexia

While more research is needed before we understand the causes of anorexia and other eating disorders, we now know that several factors can contribute to its development . While there is no single root cause, people with anorexia generally are affected by one or more of the following contributing factors:

• Genetic predisposition
• Chemical imbalance
• History of a traumatic event
• Family disruption and/or dysfunction
• Sensitivity to cultural messages about the "ideal body"

Surprisingly, individuals with the disorder report that their anorexic behavior started out simply as a way to improve themselves. Anorexia often starts with a diet, which may be meant to help the person regain self-esteem and control. Some people perceive anorexia as a way to cope with problems when they feel out of control.

Helping Someone With Anorexia Symptoms

If you suspect you or someone you know has anorexia, do something about it. Anorexia is a life-threatening disease. Seek professional counseling immediately.

For help, contact Walden Behavioral Care at 781-647-6700 or Info@waldenbehavioralcare.com.