Anorexia nervosa: A Teenage Eating Disorder

Anorexia nervosa is the 3rdmost common chronic illness of adolescence.[i]This disorder consists of a “morbid preoccupation with weight and shape.” The person fears fatness and their self-esteem is tied to their weight and appearance. These obsessions lead to extreme dieting, exercising and the constant weighing of oneself.[ii]Although it is rare (less than 1% in the U.S.), it carries the highest rates of multiple medical conditions and death when compared to all other psychiatric disorders.[iii] Rates of anorexia are highest among 15-19 y/o females.[iv]

Anorexia begins with seemingly, harmless behaviors: “Girls often become vegetarians and confine themselves to ‘healthy stuff’ like fruit, vegetables, and whole grain bread”[v]and increases their exercise. Gradually, they begin to skip meals, eat smaller meals and take a longer time to finish eating. They may incorporate “strange eating habits and cut their food into small pieces, rearrange food items several times on their plates or take very small bites.”[vi] Girls with anorexia may not eat in front of others, may go to the bathroom immediately after eating or use pills to reduce appetite. [vii]

Weighing and exercise “can become highly ritualized and obsessive.”[viii][ix]. All weight loss is seen as a triumph and not seen as an illness. Medical conditions that occur with drastic weight loss, such as missing periods, fatigue or feeling cold all the time are disregarded. Girls with anorexia may start out as being happy and outgoing, but as the condition progresses, they become withdrawn and depressed.

Symptoms of Anorexia[x]

• Have an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even when they are underweight
• Refuse to keep weight at what is considered normal or acceptable for her age and height (15% or more below the expected weight)
• Have a body image that is very distorted, be very focused on body weight or shape, and refuse to admit or acknowledge the seriousness of weight loss
• Have not had their period for three or more cycles (in women)

People with anorexia may severely limit the amount of food they eat, or eat and then make themselves throw up. Other behaviors include:[xi]

• Cutting food into small pieces or moving them around the plate rather than eating
• Exercising all the time, even when the weather is bad, they are hurt, or their schedule is busy
• Going to the bathroom right after meals
• Refusing to eat around others
• Using pills to make themselves urinate (water pills or diuretics), have a bowel movement (enemas and laxatives) or to decrease their appetite (diet pills)
• Blotchy or yellow skinthat is dry and covered with fine hair
• Confused or slow thinking, along with poor memory or judgment
• Depression
• Dry mouth
• Extreme sensitivity to cold (wearing several layers of clothing to stay warm)
• Loss of bone strength
• Wasting away of muscle and loss of body fat

“Anorexia nervosa can lead to serious symptoms, such as heart problems, seizures, and kidney damage. Death may even occur as a result.”[xii]

Anorexia can be treated through hospitalization, medication and therapy. If you suspect that a loved one has this disorder, contact the following organizations to learn how to get help:

National Eating Disorders Association 
Call (206) 382-3587 or the Hotline @ 1-800-931-2237 or go to: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) 
Call (847) 831-3438 or go to: http://www.anad.org