Eating disorders
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Anorexia nervosa - Bulimia nervosa - Binge eating disorder
Eating
disorder is a newly recognized condition that
probably affects millions. People with eating
disorder frequently eat large amounts of food while
feeling a loss of control over their eating. This
disorder is different from binge-purge syndrome
(bulimia nervosa) because people with binge eating
disorder usually do not purge afterward by vomiting
or using laxatives.
Eating disorders are characterized by a
preoccupation with weight that results in severe
disturbances in eating and other behaviors. These
disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa
and binge eating disorder.
-
Anorexia
nervosa. Essentially self-starvation,
this disorder involves a refusal to maintain a
minimally normal body weight. In severe cases,
anorexia can be life-threatening.
-
Bulimia nervosa.
This involves repeated episodes of binge eating,
followed by ways of trying to purge the body of
the food or of expected weight gain. People can
have this condition and be of normal weight.
-
Binge eating
disorder. This is characterized by
frequent episodes of overeating without purging.
Other variations of eating disorders occur, such
as purging without bingeing, chewing and spitting
without purging, and anorexic behavior with less
severe weight loss.
The
exception is binge eating disorder, which appears to
affect almost as many males as females.
Treatments for eating disorders may involve
nutrition education, psychotherapy, family
counseling and medications.
Anorexia - loss of appetite
It
affect the most
It is most common
among adolescents, adults and elderly people and is more prevalent among
females. Male adults who have a busy schedule or have tensed
personalities usually get affected.
Causes
of Anorexia
The causes are
-
Acute febrile illness
-
Chronic infections: Tuberculosis
-
Decreased metabolic function as in:
Addison's disease, (Primary hypoadrenalism)
Hypothyroidism, (decreased thyroid function)
Simmond's disease. (Adult Panhypopituitarism.)
-
Local causes such as:
Decreased Hydrochloric acid secretion
Carcinoma of stomach
Chronic gastritis
Pernicious anemia
-
Psychic causes: Mental worry, fear, Anorexia nervosa.
-
Deficiency of vitamins: Particularly B-complex.
- Physiological
anorexia occurs due to:
Inactive life
Irregular eating and drinking
Excess of carbohydrate food in between meals.
Symptoms
of Anorexia
The symptoms are
-
Loss of appetite.
-
Loss of weight (if chronic).
-
Loss of texture of hair - rough and easily falling.
-
Muscle wasting.
-
Absence of menses.
-
If
near or during puberty, the adult sexual characteristics may be
absent or delayed.
Related
signs
The signs are
-
Pale, wrinkled face
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Sunken abdomen (Inverted saucer-like)
-
Sunken eyes may have dark circles.
-
Swollen ankles
-
Mental apathy and confusion.
Investigations
The investigations
carried out are
Treatment
measures
Drugs
generally used are
Prognosis
The prognosis
depends on the underlying cause
Anorexia prevention
It
can be prevented by following
-
Proper food habits from childhood.
-
Keeping the atmosphere relaxed at meal times.
-
Counseling teens to get rid of the fad of becoming
thin.
-
Informing them about the risks of starvation.
-
Having at least one complete meal with the family.
-
Being imaginative when preparing food, especially for
children.
-
Avoiding too many snacks and excessive fluids between
meals.
-
Telling them about the importance of proper weight
gain according to age and nutrition.
-
Planning proper diet program, may be with the help of
a dietician.
-
Having mental peace and calmness; emotional support
by family and friends.
-
Taking psychologist's help.
Important things one should know about Anorexia
The important things
that one should know are
-
Diet should consist of appetizing food and intake of
sweets between meals should be avoided.
-
One should not hurry while having meals.
-
Regular exercise is necessary.
-
Intake of fresh air.
-
Avoidance of smoking and alcohol.
anorexia nervosa
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