In our society, it is always important to be aware of the social and cultural factors that surround us. They serve as a benchmark for various movements that arise, for the policies that governments begin to adopt, and even for what we see on television or hear on the radio. On the other hand, several diseases stem from cultural and social factors, such as anorexia nervosa, or simply anorexia, which has these factors as one of its main causes.

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia is an eating disorder that is mainly characterized by a kind of fixation with one’s own weight, leading the person to eat very little or even stop eating altogether in many cases. The consequences of this disorder can range from problems like anemia and malnutrition to even death in the most severe cases. Anorexia is directly related to psychological causes and has both treatment and a cure.

Causes of Anorexia

The causes of anorexia nervosa are often unknown. Although it has been recognized since 1869, studies on eating disorders have never been a significant focus for medicine and only gained attention in the last 40 years. However, it is known that genetic factors can influence people to develop anorexia. But without a doubt, the main culprits are the cultural and social factors surrounding us, which end up putting pressure on some individuals, making it difficult for them to maintain healthy eating habits.

Anorexia is a Serious Disease

It is important to remember that anorexia is a serious illness that requires professional treatment and is not simply a matter of not wanting to eat or lacking appetite. Often, a lack of information among friends and family of the person who develops the disorder causes the condition to worsen even further.

Risk Factors for Anorexia

Some groups are at higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa. Let’s discuss each of them specifically so we can better understand why the disease develops and what the best ways to treat it are. The main risk groups are:

  • Women
  • Adolescents
  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Psychological Disorders

Women

As we have mentioned, cultural and social factors are directly linked to the development of anorexia in many cases. And since the pressure for an ideal appearance and to please others has historically been stronger on women, it is natural that they are more likely to develop anorexia nervosa. If a job also demands a great deal in terms of appearance, such as in the case of mannequins and models, for example, the obsession with the ideal weight can also transform into the disease.

Adolescents

Adolescence is a stage full of uncertainties and doubts about one’s own body and about life in general. For this reason, many teenagers, especially girls who are dissatisfied with their own bodies, end up developing anorexia as an attempt to be included in a group, which is harmful both to their physical health and their social and psychological well-being.

Low Self-Esteem

A lack of self-esteem, mainly caused by dissatisfaction with one’s own body, can lead someone to develop anorexia nervosa. It is very common for people considered overweight to develop the disorder as a kind of attempt to escape their own reality, which is also very damaging in several ways.

Psychological Disorders

People who have disorders like anxiety and depression may end up developing anorexia nervosa as a consequence. The reverse also happens, with depression developing as a result of anorexia. In the first case, social pressures are not necessarily a defining factor, even though they can have some influence. In order for the disease to be treated, any illnesses that originated it must also be addressed, although often these treatments occur simultaneously.

Main Symptoms of Anorexia

The symptoms of anorexia go beyond what people commonly imagine and can be highly damaging to health. The main symptoms are:

  • Refusal to maintain body weight at a reasonably healthy level
  • Feeling a great fear of gaining weight
  • Having a distorted body image and always believing they are overweight
  • Deep depression
  • More frequent visits to the bathroom
  • Sudden changes in eating habits
  • Refusing to eat near other people
  • Tooth decalcification
  • Use of pills for urination and bowel movements
  • Bulimia
  • Suicidal tendencies

Of course, not always does one or more of these symptoms necessarily indicate a case of anorexia nervosa. For this reason, it is always important to consult a specialist physician in order to have an accurate diagnosis of the disease.

Diagnosis of Anorexia

Excessive weight loss does not always mean a case of this eating disorder, so it is necessary during examinations to exclude any other possibilities before being certain that it is anorexia nervosa. A person is considered to have anorexia when they are 15% below the ideal weight for their age and height. In addition to weight loss, doctors look for signs of malnutrition and other consequences of the disease to make an accurate diagnosis. One of the main problems most doctors face is the person’s denial of their condition, since one of the symptoms of anorexia is exactly having a distorted image of one’s own body, which may cause the physician to take even longer to reach a conclusion about the patient’s situation.

Treatment of Anorexia

Anorexia treatment is multidisciplinary, which means that different types of professionals are needed to help a person recover. They are:

  • Psychologist
  • Nutritionist
  • Doctor

The goal of treatment is, first and foremost, to have the person accept their condition and realize that they need help. At the same time, weight recovery must take place together with guidance from a nutritionist. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to restore brain chemistry, and in more severe cases, hospitalization is necessary. Anorexia is a disease that affects millions of people every year and may cause devastating consequences. As with other psychological disorders, it should be taken seriously, and exists regardless of one’s will. If the person with the disorder tends to deny they have it, those around them have the responsibility to help. This is the first step to fighting this problem called anorexia. See also: Child BMI – Alert for Moms Photo: Canon EOS 6D