Signs Of Anorexia

The signs of anorexia have to be determined before treatment can be administered. The symptoms can be divided into the following categories.

Physical Symptoms

The most conspicuous sign is dramatic weight loss and a very skinny physique. Medical tests will show the person has irregular blood counts. The fingers will have a bluish color. The nails will be brittle.

The person will tire quickly and quite possibly suffer from insomnia. There are fainting spells and dizziness is experienced. In many cases the hair will fall off. Silky or furry hair may appear all over the body. The skin will become dry.

Cases of constipation are often reported, and women will not have any menstruation. Other symptoms include low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and cold intolerance. Osteoporosis and dehydration are also experienced. The legs and arms also swell up.

Behavioral and Emotional Symptoms

This will vary per individual, but studies show people with the health condition engage in excessive exercise. Besides obvious signs like refusal to eat and ignoring their hunger, they become irritable.

The mood is flat or they become depressed. Other signs include withdrawing from friends and family and being obsessed with avoiding food. Other indicators are trying various diet pills and alternative products to lose weight.

Other Possible Signs of Anorexia

It should be noted that some of the signs can be hard to determine because individuals will hide them. The following are some indicators the person has the condition.

These include skipping or refusing to take meals. They will have many excuses not to eat. They will insist on eating only food with calories and low fat.

Some people will spit the food out and others will chop the food into small chunks and eat tiny portions. These people may prepare meals for others but will not partake of it.

Other warning signs include repeatedly weighing themselves. They will often make remarks about how fat they are. These people will also complain about flaws in their body.

When to See the Doctor

If left untreated, the health condition will take over the person’s entire life. They will spend their waking hours obsessing about food. Several hours will be spent deciding what food to buy.

The desire to lose weight will make them exercise for several hours a day. This will lead to dizziness and fatigue as they are not eating enough food. Other problems include feeling cold and suffering from numerous mood swings.

People Who are at Risk

Majority of people at risk are women, although some men are affected too. Teenagers are particularly susceptible due to peer pressure and the influence of culture or media. Magazines often show skinny models, and this leads to the impression that one has to be skinny to be rich and famous.

If signs of anorexia are detected, it is essential the person undergo treatment. Treatment comes in the form of therapies and starting a proper diet. Treatment will take time, but to be successful the person has to stay with the treatment.