How dangerous is anorexia nervosa?

Have you ever tried to lose weight? Did the thought of shedding those extra pounds make you ecstatic? Well, imagine that feeling amplified by a hundred. That’s what it feels like for people with anorexia nervosa. A mental health condition characterized by an obsessive desire to be thin.

But just how dangerous is this disorder? Let’s take a closer look at some facts and figures.

What Is Anorexia Nervosa?

Before we dive into the dangers, let’s first define what anorexia nervosa actually is. An intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat characterizes this eating disorder. People with anorexia often have a distorted view of their body image and will go to great lengths to maintain their idea of what they believe to be ideal.

Who Is Affected By Anorexia Nervosa?

While anyone can develop an eating disorder, women are more likely than men to experience them. It’s estimated that one in every 200 women suffers from anxiety-driven food limitations leading ultimately towards strict diets or starvation which lead toward developing such disorders as bulimia nervosa and/or Anorexia Nervosa[1] In general, Eating Disorders don’t discriminate against age groups but can start surfacing anywhere between childhood towards mid-20s(18 being the mean onset age) [2]

The Physical Dangers Of Anorexia

The physical risks involved in having this eating disorder cannot be ignored—the aftermath could potentially cause severe damages ranging from malnutrition-induced illnesses (fatigue, brain damage due low blood sugars). Some other long-term effects might be permanent [3] kidney failure, and even osteoporosis; a condition of weak bones that you can inherit.

Starvation And Anorexia

One of the primary concerns related to anorexia is starvation. Extreme weight loss causes your body to start consuming its own muscles as a source of energy since there’s little fat left in which it can be sustained. This could lead to not only physical damages but mental ones too including anxiety and depression[4]

The Psychological Dangers Of Anorexia

It doesn’t stop with physical dangers—the disease has severe psychological consequences as well, leading people towards emotional imbalance where they develop feelings such as low self-esteem that might also result in social isolation. Due to these negative thoughts one may also develop obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) for instance over cleanliness or phobia-related behaviours like avoiding mirrors or going out alone [3].

Mental Illnesses Associated With Anorexia Nervosa

Anxietyand Depression are often closely tied to eating disorders—relationships flourish through food both emotionally, psychologically but an ED means biological damage usually done due inadequate nutrition intake.[5][[6][webmd].] Intriguingly multiple personality disorder(APD)also has substantial association with females having AN[7]

Other Risks Associated With Anorexia

Did you know that people with anorexia are also at risk of experiencing life-threatening cardiac complications? That’s right, not eating properly can interfere with the natural functioning of your heart and cause damage[8]. Moreover, their immune system could be weaker resulting them toward being vulnerable to infections Whether it’s due to illness or habits such as extreme exercising routines[[9](https://patient.info/news-and-features/anorexic-patients-show-significant-weakening-in-immune-response#:~:text=The%20immune%20systems%20of%2013,Birmingham.%20These%20deficiencies%20included]].

Conclusion

Anorexia Nervosa is a serious condition with potentially devastating consequences—both physical and emotional. It should never be taken lightly once discovered in oneself or others around them, assistance must be sought from qualified medical personnel who will counsel you as well provide appropriate medication for supplementary stabilization into your health journey ahead [[5]]]. If you have any concerns about yourself or someone else suffering from this life-altering disease please do contact mental-health helpline near you! They assist totally anonymously should one worry discrimination based repercussions etc..

Random Posts