Villanueva, Angelica S.
BSE SCIENCE 3B
Analysis Paper: Anorexia Nervosa
Models are pretty and thin and are often taken as role models of success. However
they must be underweight to look "perfect" on television and magazines. In order to be
thin, they develop a disease called anorexia nervosa. This essay states what anorexia
nervosa is and for how long the disease has been around in society.
There is more than one definition of anorexia nervosa; however, all describe the
same problem. Here are some of the definitions: Anorexia nervosa is an eating problem
that occurs when a person is unrealistically concerned about being overweight and
therefore eat as little as possible. This condition is both a physical illness and a psychiatric
illness. Hormone changes result from the low weight and low levels of body fat. In young
women menstruation stops. Anorexia nervosa can be very severe illness, including a risk
of death from starvation (Encarta Encyclopedia, Internet). Anorexia nervosa is a disorder
in which preoccupation with dieting and thinness leads to excessive weight loss. The
individual may not acknowledge that weight loss or restricted eating is a problem
(www.anorexia.com, Internet). The American Anorexia Nervosa Association defines
anorexia as a "serious illness of deliberate self-starvation with profound psychiatric and
physical components." Now that we know what anorexia means, lets narrate how this
disease came to be noticeable. We have the knowledge that anorexia nervosa is affecting a
greater number of individuals.
Anorexia Nervosa is a severe eating disorder that mainly affects teenage girls,
however, it can affect men and women of all ages. There are many factors that
contribute to a girl becoming anorexic, including low self-esteem and depression.
Common features of anorexia include weight loss and behavior changes. The weight
loss is gradual and often starts with a “perfectly normal weight reducing diet” (Rowan).
Although the only person who can cure anorexia is the person that suffers from it, there
are some treatment options available today.
The physical signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa are related to starvation.
Anorexia also includes emotional and behavioral issues involving an unrealistic
perception of body weight and an extremely strong fear of gaining weight or becoming
fat. It may be difficult to notice signs and symptoms because what is considered a low
body weight is different for each person, and some individuals may not appear
extremely thin. Also, people with anorexia often disguise their thinness, eating habits or
physical problems.
The exact cause of anorexia is unknown. As with many diseases, it's probably a
combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. Although it's not
yet clear which genes are involved, there may be genetic changes that make some
people at higher risk of developing anorexia. Some people may have a genetic tendency
toward perfectionism, sensitivity and perseverance — all traits associated with
anorexia. Some people with anorexia may have obsessive-compulsive personality traits
that make it easier to stick to strict diets and forgo food despite being hungry. They may
have an extreme drive for perfectionism, which causes them to think they're never thin
enough. And they may have high levels of anxiety and engage in restrictive eating to
reduce it. Modern Western culture emphasizes thinness. Success and worth are often
equated with being thin. Peer pressure may help fuel the desire to be thin, particularly
among young girls.
Certain factors increase the risk of anorexia. Changes in specific genes may put
certain people at higher risk of anorexia. Those with a first-degree relative — a parent,
sibling or child — who had the disorder have a much higher risk of anorexia. Dieting is
a risk factor for developing an eating disorder. There is strong evidence that many of
the symptoms of anorexia are actually symptoms of starvation. Starvation affects the
brain and influences mood changes, rigidity in thinking, anxiety and reduction in
appetite. Starvation and weight loss may change the way the brain works in vulnerable
individuals, which may perpetuate restrictive eating behaviors and make it difficult to
return to normal eating habits. Whether it's a new school, home or job; a relationship
breakup; or the death or illness of a loved one, change can bring emotional stress and
increase the risk of anorexia.
Anorexia can have numerous complications. At its most severe, it can be fatal.
Death may occur suddenly — even when someone is not severely underweight. This
may result from abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or an imbalance of electrolytes
— minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium that maintain the balance of fluids
in your body.
There's no guaranteed way to prevent anorexia nervosa. Primary care physicians
(pediatricians, family physicians and internists) may be in a good position to identify
early indicators of anorexia and prevent the development of full-blown illness. For
instance, they can ask questions about eating habits and satisfaction with appearance
during routine medical appointments.
If you notice that a family member or friend has low self-esteem, severe dieting
habits and dissatisfaction with appearance, consider talking to him or her about these
issues. Although you may not be able to prevent an eating disorder from developing,
you can talk about healthier behavior or treatment options.
Anorexia is a serious disease and a very real threat. It can be caused by
depression, pressure, and by the false image that one is fat. Many serious side effects
can result from anorexia, such as personality changes and bulimia. Warning signs for
the disease include frequent visits to the bathroom after meals, increased obsessive
behavior, and the girl becoming less social. Although the disease is serious, treatment
options like support groups, therapy, and clinics are available. That battle against eating
disorders is long and grueling, but it is one that must eventually be won.
References:

6 Common Types of Eating Disorders (and Their Symptoms)
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders

Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms and Causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptomscauses/syc-20353591