What is anorexia and what are some of the dangers? Anorexia is simply one of several eating disorders that is plaguing many of our young men and women. Over 7 million women and 1 million men struggle with anorexia nervosa within the United States alone. It is a disease that is truly indiscriminate, both men and women, rich and poor, young and old, and all minorities are affected by the disease. When anorexia is reported, 86% of those reports are given by people 20 years old and younger. Since anorexia and other eating disorders are so widespread, the best way to combat their spread is to promote public awareness. So, what are some of the signs someone is struggling with an eating disorder?

Those suffering from an eating disorder will have odd habits regarding food, self-image, and exercise. Some skip meals, some will not eat in front of others, while others still will chew their food only to spit it out shortly thereafter. Often times excuses will be used to explain their erratic diet or their appearance to others. Many anorectics eliminate much of the fat from their diet while eating only a handful of carefully chosen foods which they view as safe. Other things to take note would be if your loved one is using laxatives and diet pills on top of a highly restricted diet. Thats a sure sign of an eating disorder. To further jeopardize themselves, anorectics will often times exercise on a compulsive level even though their energy is limited. Typically, all of this is done while under the phony facade of contentment. Many refuse to discuss their emotions, claiming that all is fine in the world when exactly the opposite more closely resembles the truth. However, this list is not authoritative, these are only a few of the key points that need to be watched if you believe a loved one to be anorexic.

If the aforementioned warning signs are neglected, then one needs to be prepared for the serious health complications that often accompany anorexia and other eating disorders. A short list of complications would include irregular heartbeat, heart failure, kidney failure, liver damage, permanent loss of bone mass, destruction of teeth, ruptured esophagus, seizures, and cessation of menses, just to name a few. One will even become so weak so that the muscles in your pelvic floor are unable to hold in the vagina, and one will become incontinent. The consequences are truly horrendous. It has even been conjectured that Terri Schiavo fell into her vegetative state from a violent heart attack brought on by extreme dehydration as a result of an electrolyte imbalance. She allegedly had an eating disorder and the few minutes of oxygen deprivation ruined her brain and the last 15 years of her life. Let her story serve as the path not to follow. If levels of deprivation are carried on long enough, things of this magnitude will undoubtedly happen to you or the one you love. Intervene by any reasonable means necessary to help those that can no longer help themselves.