What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa: is an eating disorder in which a person weighs 85% or less than the normal weight. that is considered minimally normal for a person’s height. In cases of anorexia nervosa, there is no physical illness or underlying disease causing a loss of appetite and low body weight; a person suffering from this condition The sufferer is usually intensely fearful of becoming fat, even if underweight, and refuses to gain weight. Low body weight is maintained either by refusal to eat, or purges. , or “getting rid” of calories, through self-induced vomiting, taking diuretics or laxatives, or excessive exercising. Often, there will be a cycle of both eating patterns. Because refusal to eat and purging leads to a Over time, chronic state of malnutrition, anorexia nervosa is a potentially serious condition that can result in and severe medical complications can result and even death unless treated.
What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa?
In addition to being too thin, individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa have a number of signs and symptoms resulting from low body weight, malnutrition, and the effects of purging. Some Common symptoms: include:
- Feeling cold
- Stooped posture due to thinning bones
- Dry skin and dull, brittle hair
- Growth of fine hair on the face and other areas of the body
- Skipped or stopped periods
- Wasting muscles
- Dizziness caused by low blood pressure
- Abnormal heart beat due to electrolyte imbalances
- Paleness discolored skin
- Cavities due to vomiting
- Depression, anxiety, mood swings
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