tell me about anorexia?

Question

what are its causes?
including genetics, familial, psychological, social..
and what damage can it cause? and life-long damage
so many girls around me have this problem and its like a trend or something, i really want to help, but they wont listen
what can society do to lessen the frequency of this disease?

Answer 1

causes:

No one is really sure what causes eating disorders, although there are many theories as to why people develop them. Most people who develop an eating disorder are between the ages of 14 and 18 (although they can develop even earlier in some people). At this time in their lives, many teens don't feel as though they have much control over anything. The physical and emotional changes that go along with puberty can make it easy for even the most confident person to feel a bit out of control. By controlling their own bodies, people with eating disorders feel as though they can regain some control — even if it is done in an unhealthy way.

For girls, even though it's completely normal (and necessary) to gain some additional body fat during puberty, some respond to this change by becoming very fearful of their new weight and feel compelled to get rid of it any way they can. It's easy to see why people may develop a fear of any weight gain, even if it's healthy and temporary: We're overloaded by images of thin celebrities — people who often weigh far less than their healthy weight. When you combine the pressure to be like these role models with a changing body, it's not hard to see why some teens develop a distorted body image.

damages:
Whatever the cause of an eating disorder, the effects can be damaging — if not downright devastating and life threatening. People who weigh at least 15% less than the normal weight for their height may not have enough body fat to keep their organs and other body parts healthy.

A person with anorexia can do damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys by not eating enough. The body slows everything down as if it were starving, causing a drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate. (For girls, this starvation mode may mean they stop getting their periods.) Lack of energy can lead people with anorexia to feel light-headed and unable to concentrate. Anemia (lack of red blood cells) and swollen joints are common in people with anorexia, as are brittle bones. Anorexia can cause a person's hair to fall out, fingernails to break off, and a soft hair called lanugo to grow all over the skin. In severe cases, eating disorders can lead to severe malnutrition and even death.

People with bulimia often have constant stomach pain. In fact, bulimia can actually damage a person's stomach and kidneys as a result of constant vomiting. Bulimia can also cause a person's teeth to decay because of the acids that come up into the mouth while vomiting. The person may also develop "chipmunk cheeks," which occur when the salivary glands permanently expand from throwing up so often. Like girls with anorexia, girls with bulimia may stop getting their periods. And, most dangerous of all, the constant purging can lead to a loss of the mineral potassium, which can contribute to heart problems and even death.

The emotional pain of an eating disorder can take its toll, too. When a person becomes obsessed with weight, it's hard to concentrate on much else. Many times people with eating disorders become withdrawn and less social. Teens with anorexia can't join in on snacks and meals with their friends or families, and they often don't want to break from their intense exercise routine to have fun. Individuals with bulimia often spend a lot of mental energy on planning their next binge, spend a lot of their money on food, and hide in the bathroom for a long time after meals.

Eating disorders are not fun. Both anorexia and bulimia can lead to feelings of guilt and depression. Some individuals with eating disorders begin using drugs or other substances to help mask their feelings, which only makes the situation worse.

Answer 2

For accurate information I recommend reading about the disease from reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic Website (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anorexia/DS00606) or Web-MD (http://women.webmd.com/guide/mental-health-anorexia-nervosa)

Research has shown that all the reasons you mention in your question play a role in the development of the disease. Usually, girls that suffer from anorexia feel the need to please others and be perfect. Sometimes an eating disorder is a way for the patient to feel in control of their lives.

This disease is more frequently found in girls that practice ballet, gymnastics, running, modeling and other activities that require a slimmer frame than average and the girls may feel pressured to loose weight. Yet, other girls are vulnerable if they feel like their bodies are inadequate for whatever reason.

Problems: It may cause the hair to fall, osteoporosis, malnutrition, anemia and so on. Socially, the patients may be reclusive and avoid social interaction where food may be involved. Low self esteem and distorted body image are other problems.

You may not want to address your friends if you do not feel comfortable, and maybe should bring up the problem with an adult you trust (teacher, priest, minister, counselor, parent) and ask their advise.

Anorexia is a psychiatric disease. It needs to be treated by a professional. However, the media and the added social pressure to be thin are key factors that are difficult to address.

Answer 3

Causes - misperception of body image coupled with an obsessive personality and a need for control.

Damage - You can die from it. Even when you conquer it, the heart can be severely damaged and give out when the weight returns to normal.
-This is a life-long condition. Many people (boys can get it too) have to conquer this again and again.

"They won't listen" - this is a SEVERE psychological condition and extremely hard to treat. If the girls won't listen, TELL THEIR PARENTS or your TEACHER. They need immediate, serious help. You won't be "ratting them out", you may save their life.

What can society do? - It would be helpful to see normal models, not the genetic freaks we see now, but that's just a symptom of the problem. The problem is an obsessive need for control over SOMETHING, because the person's life is chaotic everywhere else (or so it seems to them). Obsessive control of their weight is the remedy these people pick to fight that perceived loss of control.

Answer 4

One very big "after effect" is lack of bone strength... I am a 37-year old guy who was bulimic for sports reasons (and it helped the looks, too) . In the last 5 years, I have broken 7 ribs, shoulder twice, ankle twice, plus fibula, once, 3 fingers, and a vertebrae.... I have osteoporosis. My bones are as fragile as an 80 year old woman's... I have to go for regular DEXA scans, to see if it is worsening... I take Boniva, which is usually just for old women... It's painful.. my joints ache constantly, I can't exercise like I want, and I'm terrified of falling, just a slip. Besides what it does to the heart muscle itself. It becomes weak, and frequently has an irregular beat.. (like mine)... Bulimia destroys your teeth more than anorexia, but anorexia harms your teeth just like the skeletal bones, they get weak... Bulimia is much more dangerous, but some of the dangers are the same... Dangerously low electrolytes, which are trying to keep the weakened heart beating... Vision problems, problems becoming pregnant and carrying the baby. The problems are almost endless, and what sucks the worst is, you're just fine for a while, until you're old enough to not be so worried about weight anymore but can't get back up to a normal weight, you're married and thinking of having kids, but can't... You decide to run in a triathlon, and drop dead... The consequences are very, very severe... Just because your unfortunate friends aren't paying the price yet, doesn't mean a thing. The effects are cumulative, they add up over time. Don't follow in my footsteps, or theirs, please. There are enough of us dealing with all the crap without you, ok? :-)

Answer 5

First indicators of anorexia is pushing away the meals, watching within the replicate and seeing a fats individual, temper swings, dressed in dishevelled garments, going to the bathroom directly after a meal to urge vomiting, immoderate exercise. Purging with apperients and measuring up meals quantities look turns into very skeletal, sunken eyes, unhealthy breath, hair thinning, dermis issues

Answer 6

I grew up with anorexia... I knew I wasn't fat but my fear of becoming fat was very strong. I was anorexic until I was about 30 and I finally found happiness with myself and my life. It has cause problems with my health it weakened my immune system and I have chronic pain, that's what happens from years of starving yourself. I'm just glad I didn't die from it. I am 6 foot tall and was under a 110lbs now I'm a very healthy weight at 160lbs.

Answer 7

You might look up the EDC website.