The eating disorder anorexia nervosa affects many women and some cases remain undiagnosed for years. Early diagnosis and treatment increases recovery rates dramatically and knowing how to recognize signs and symptoms of anorexia assists all concerned to combat the condition effectively. Facts about anorexia are:

• It seems to be more prevalent in Hispanic and Caucasian females compared to Asian and Black females.

• It is more common in females between 15 and 23 years of age (alarming statistics show that a younger age group is emerging). About 1% of females from teenagers to early 20s develop anorexia nervosa. Between 10% and 15% anorexia cases die as a result of complications. An estimated 4 people out of every 10 with anorexia will make a full recovery.

• Anorexics diet and exercise in excess resulting in acute body thinness. Increasing emphasis on the perfect body and peer pressure in modern society plays a significant role. Anorexic patients weigh at least 15% below what is normal for their height (sometimes a higher percentage).

• Anorexics may have abnormal and slower heart rates, lower blood pressure and body temperature as well as electrolyte imbalances.

• Sufferers may have hair growth which is soft and downy (called lanugo) on various body areas and arms – due to a diet lacking in essential minerals and vitamins.

• Anorexic women will not have a normal menstrual flow.

• Male anorexics do occur but is often misdiagnosed.

• Anorexia sufferers greatly limit diets from fear of gaining weight and becoming fat. Even when drastically thin these people see distorted self images in a mirror, usually seeing a heavy body.

• Anorexics have tooth enamel erosion and increased cavities.

• Anorexia can lead to kidney failure or kidney infections.

• Fifty percent of anorexics will suffer from osteoporosis (bone thinning).

• Anorexics will feel bloated even after a small meal because of severe stomach shrinkage.

• Anorexics often avoid social gatherings because of possibly having to face a situation where they must eat.

• Anorexics often display intolerance to cold temperatures because of low body weight.

• Younger anorexics may experience slow growth which eventually could cause a short stature.

• Severe anorexia cases may require hospitalization.

• In certain instances medication to treat underlying depression or obsessive-compulsive disorders may be required and can complicate the psychiatric condition of anorexia nervosa.

• Proper and appropriate medical treatment that involves psychiatric professionals, physicians, family and friends plays a critical part in achieving successful recovery of people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.

Research suggests that genetics could play a part in the development of anorexia nervosa and that particular genetic components can make women or men more prone to use it to control stressful situations and to cope with the pressure of perfectionism.

About the Author – Bob Cotto spent most of his life as a Sr. Sales & Marketing executive. Two years ago his wife of 43 years, Joanne was told that she had 4th stage cancer. Since then, Bob and Joanne have devoted all of their energy to assisting her in maintaining a high quality of life. Find out more about his efforts at his site 4-Ideal-Health and on his blog, BobCotto.com.

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