Eating maladies afflict millions of teens or young adults in the world. They are most prevalent in societies that value weight and body image. These disorders can affect individuals of all sexes, nationalities, and ethnic environments. Those who have an unhealthy body image might develop eating complications, such as bulimia, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Eating maladies have severe health consequences. Thus, they require immediate treatment. Fortunately, rehabilitation is possible with the guidance of trained healthcare providers as well as supportive family members.
Eating ailments are complex pathological and emotional conditions that influence a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Furthermore, they cause extreme sensations and behaviors around food. Eating dysfunctions are severe disabilities that can have lasting consequences if left untreated.
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, at least 30 million Americans live with an eating disorder. The number is alarming since it means many people suffer from anorexia without proper diagnosis and treatment. For those who have loved ones suffering from the disease, it is ideal to seek professional help in anorexia nervosa treatment centers.
How Anorexia Affects a Person
Teenagers are always subjected to nonsensical standards in the media, such as embellished images and beautiful models. As a result, they might feel compelled to lose weight or appear a certain way. In light of these demands, multiple teens have poor self-esteem. Even though it is natural for teens not to feel totally content with their bodies since they are continually developing, it is essential for them to discover ways to be happy with the natural appearance and size of their bodies.
Anorexia takes a toll on their physical and mental health. It can lead to a slower heart rate and lower blood pressure. The bones might also become drier than usual, muscle loss might set in, and kidney failure from dehydration might happen. Finally, the person might behave differently and strain the relationship that they have with their loved ones.
To identify someone with an eating disorder, you should learn if they have an intense fear of gaining weight. The person might be unaware of how it affects their behavior. The person might take laxatives often or have a drastic change in physical appearance.
You cannot say whether someone is suffering from an eating disorder just by staring at them. However, you can look for some warning signs. An individual who has an eating dysfunction might exhibit one or more symptoms. These symptoms can also mean that a person has another health issue. Thus, you should talk with a reliable adult about your anxieties before jumping to conclusions.
Options for Treatment
Thankfully, medicine today has treatments for anorexia. For instance, there are individual or group sessions for patients who prefer privacy or support from others. There are also therapy sessions that can be adjusted according to the patient’s schedule.
Overall, experts have observed how anorexia affects a multitude of Americans. Information about the disorder is reinforced to debunk people’s fears or misconceptions. This leads to a better understanding of people suffering from anorexia. If you have a loved one suffering from anorexia, do not hesitate to ask for professional help.
