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| What are the
signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa? |
The signs and
symptoms of anorexia are:
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- Weight loss of at least 15 per cent
below the normal ideal body weight for a person of the same age and height
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- Cessation of periods or delayed
development in puberty
- Self-induced weight loss: Methods
can include fasting, low food intake, excessive exercise, diuretic drugs (drugs that make
you urinate more) laxatives, diet pills or vomiting.
- Sometimes people make themselves
sick to lose weight. Others indulge in excessive exercise
- Sufferers have a constant fear of
gaining weight, as well as a feeling of being fat, even when their weight is much less
than that of other people of the same height Sufferers may feel bloated, even after a
small meal They may lose interest in socialising with friends Other side effects include
tiredness, feeling cold, constipation and stomachache Some patients also develop
additional disorders such as bulimia.
- Sufferers may feel bloted.Even after
a small meal.
- They may lose interest in
socialising with freind.
- Other side effects include
tiredness, feeling cold, constipation and stomachache.
- Some patients also develop
additional disordes such as bulimia.
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How long can
anorexia last?
The sooner the
treatment is started, the better the chance of recovery. However, anorexia may last for
months or years, and it can take many more years before normal weight is regained.
| What happens
when a person experiences severe anorexia? |
- People who do not receive treatment
may become chronically ill or even die
- Long spells without adequate intake
of food can cause osteoporosis (fragile bones) and damage to the heart, liver, kidneys and
brain
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- Aneroxia can impede growth in the
young and cause difficulties in concentrating
- People with anorexia nervosa may
also experience mental health problems such as depression and increased risk of suicide
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