What is it? It is a mental illness that affects the health of the whole body and is linked to an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.
The causes are many and deep. They start with the 'guilty' and forbidden foods we demonise in childhood and end with the lean, excessively thin and underweight beauty ideals that have dominated for years. In between come comments about appearance, insecurities, and industries that promote particular cuts and clothing sizes. Some people are naturally prone to perfectionism, which drives them to seek a flawless body and the 'healthiest' foods. So the problem seems to be rooted in environmental, emotional and biological factors.
Anorexia nervosa causes mental and physical suffering to more and more people. They suffer because they constantly see a body image that does not reflect reality, so they are always looking for ways to change it. They start avoiding social events and gatherings so they don't have to sit at a table, and they often lie about how much they eat. Food intake is reduced to a minimum, and exercise often becomes an addiction. Binge-eating episodes also occur in people with anorexia nervosa and, because of guilt, are followed by the use of laxatives and induced vomiting. The body does not have enough energy for daily activities or even its basic functions, and so its deterioration begins.
One of the first symptoms of anorexia nervosa is sudden, excessive weight loss without the person realising it. Tiredness, exhaustion, intolerance to cold, severe dizziness and a tendency to faint are common. Blood test values move outside normal ranges, and dull hair, bluish fingers, dry skin and severe dehydration are further signs that something is wrong. Constipation and irregular heart rhythm also affect patients, while the risk of osteoporosis and low blood pressure is very high.
Dealing with it is not an easy task, as the causes are deep and usually long-term. However, they are accessible in the majority of cases. Proper nutritional education and the awareness that we must love and embrace our bodies are extremely important in order to overcome this situation. There are no forbidden foods, nor ideal bodies. In a healthy eating plan, there is room for everything in the right measure, while diversity is what makes us so unique and valuable. To listen to the needs of our body and embrace it tightly, essentially and with love. But above all, not to be afraid to speak up and share our thoughts and concerns. Because only then will we get past them, only then will we feel relaxed and free.
Read also: In-person Appointment · Online Appointment · What is Body Shaming? · Food exoneration
