Anorexia nervosa

ANOREXIA NERVOSA Anorexia nervosa is one type of eating disorder. Anorexia is a condition that goes beyond out-of-control dieting. A person with anorexia often initially begins dietingto lose weight. Over time, the weight loss becomes a sign of mastery and control. The individual continues the endless cycle of restrictive eating, often accompanied by other behaviors such asexcessive exercising or the overuse of diet pills, laxatives, etc in order to reduce body weight, often to a point close to starvation in order to feel a sense of control over his or her body.
Signs andsymptoms
Heart and circulatory system: An abnormally slow heart rate and unusually low blood pressure are commonly associated with anorexia. A reduction in the work capacity of the heart isassociated with severe weight loss and starvation. | Gastrointestinal complications: Are also associated with anorexia. Constipation and abdominal pain are the most common symptoms. Starvation and overuse oflaxatives can seriously disrupt the body's normal functions involved in the elimination process. |
Bone density loss: Is a significant complication of anorexia, since women acquire 40%-60% of theirbone mass during adolescence. Studies have shown that bone loss can occur fairly rapidly in girls with anorexia. Renal function: may appear normal. However, there are significant changes in renalfunction in many people with anorexia, resulting in increased or decreased urination or potentially fatal potassium deficiency | Physical symptoms: Anorexia can cause a lower body temperature as well asdry, flaky skin that takes on a yellow tinge. Nails can become brittle. Frequent vomiting can erode dental enamel and eventually lead to tooth loss. Disturbances in the menstrual cycle are frequent, andsecondary amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods) affects about 90% of adolescent girls with anorexia. Menstrual periods typically return with weight gain and successful treatment. Hormonal...