Anorexia is, along with bulimia , the most common eating disorder, occurring especially in female adolescents. Significant weight loss and refusal to eat regularly are usually the clearest signs of this condition, however, not all patients manifest it clearly. If you suspect that a family member or friend has this disorder, in we explain what the symptoms of anorexia are so that you can detect it early.
Steps to follow:
The first thing that is important to be clear about is that anorexia, like bulimia, is an eating disorder that requires medical attention and treatment because it is not a condition that only affects patients physically, but also has with important psychological components that must be treated.
That is why if you suspect that someone close to you has this disease, the most convenient thing is to give them support so that they can see a specialist.
The clearest symptom of anorexia is an alarming weight loss. Most of the patients who suffer from this condition in an advanced form are extremely thin, malnourished in some cases, which puts their lives at significant risk.
The obsession with food is another clear sign of this condition. Those who suffer from anorexia eat as little as possible, always eating very low-calorie foods that are not fattening and eliminating all sources of fat or carbohydrates from the diet. The intake of meals is always done in a methodical way, controlling each food that is consumed.
In social situations in which they cannot avoid eating, they do so by chewing the food very well, or playing with it on the plate to simulate that they eat when in fact they eat the least.
To the above symptoms must be added an obsession with frequently weighing oneself , always controlling the increase or decrease of the scale. This can even be done several times a day, denoting compulsive behavior regarding weight.
Other very clear symptoms of anorexia are:
- Obsession with physical appearance, frequently commenting that they feel or are fat.
- Exercise excessively to lose even more weight.
- Avoid social situations that involve food so as not to be in evidence.
- Social isolation, apathy.
- Depression and clear lack of energy.
- Frequent diseases due to the weakening of the immune system due to lack of nutrients.
This condition can bring serious health complications and, in more severe cases, even lead to heart failure that compromises the life of the person with anorexia. That is why seeking specialized help is essential.
