Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It is characterised by low weight, and a preoccupation with body image, distorted eating and weight loss behaviours. Other eating disorders include bulimia nervosa (often with normal weight), binge eating disorder (BED), and compulsive overeating. Anorexia nervosa usually starts to develop during teenage years or in young adulthood. In the UK, anorexia affects 1 in every 2000 males and 1 in every 250 females (NHS).
The symptoms of anorexia include anxiety, distorted eating, guilt, isolation, serious physical problems and distorted weight loss. People with anorexia have an anxiety about being overweight. They want their weight to be far less than the average for their age and height. Dislike of one's own body can be a powerful drive. It can cause men and women to pursue activities which produce low weight, such as vomiting, taking laxatives and over-exercising.
The actor Dennis Quaid publicly disclosed he had suffered from anorexia nervosa. He described how he had ''obsessed'' about what he was eating, what the calorie intake would be, and how much exercise he would have to do (Daily Telegraph). An obsession with food and weight is common among people with anorexia nervosa. In contrast to the many female celebrities who publicly discuss their eating disorders, few well known men feel able to speak openly.
The causes of anorexia nervosa are believed to include being overweight in the past, bereavement, depression, disturbed body image, emotional abuse, family relationships, a family history of eating disorders, oral fixation, perfectionism, self-esteem issues, sexual abuse, and stress. If you are concerned about a problem do not diagnose yourself. Always consult your GP or a therapist who is qualified to both diagnose the issue and help you work through it.
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