Anorexia, commonly known as ‘slimming disease’ is an eating disorder which most commonly occurs in teenage girls. Although it can be responsible for causing dreadful physical and emotional harm, it is curable in many cases, and the earlier it is treated the more chance there is of a full recovery. There are statistics which indicate that 80% of people who have been affected by anorexia can make a complete recovery if given the correct professional counselling and emotional help and support from close family members.
If you suspect a loved one or a member of your family is developing any of the symptoms of anorexia, it is important to try and get help immediately before any lasting damage can be done. It is most common in teenage girls, and while it is widely believed that anorexics do not eat, this is completely untrue. The belief that their body is fat and ugly means that the sufferer will stop eating anything which they can believe will make them fat, and will often turn to vegetarianism as a first sign. They will eat such a small amount to keep alive, but they will eat something.
There is also a possibility of the occasional binge and purge, where they will eat an excessive amount of food and then rid themselves of it immediately afterwards, either by making themselves sick or the use of laxatives. This is, however, behaviour more common in bulimia. The two diseases are often confused, and though they indicate the same underlying problems of low self-worth and belief, they are quite different in other ways.
Anyone suffering from anorexia will lose weight extremely quickly, and therefore it ought to be quite easy to identify. If a member of your family starts to display any of these signs, then you are strongly advised to seek medical help as soon as possible. They may possibly try to hide this from you by wearing baggy clothes, and try to avoid eating out at family social occasions so that they don’t put themselves into an awkward position.
A full recovery is possible, and the earlier that the treatment is implemented the better, so if you have any worries at all it is definitely worth investigating. You can talk to your doctor about it if you have any concerns, and he will be able to advise you of the best course of action to take.
With a lifelong passion for health, I enjoy sharing my personal experiences with diet and exercise. I also enjoy reviewing products, enjoy my latest reviews on what you need to know about choosing shower corner shelves and a recessed shower shelf for your bathroom.
Article Source: The Truth Behind Anorexia
