Recognize the Physical Signs of Anorexia
Anorexia is an eating disorder or psychological condition in which sufferers control their caloric intakes, limit or skip meals and display an obsession with weight. Sufferers may even take exercise to the extreme. Knowing recognize the physical symptoms of anorexia is not enough. You should also be aware of the factors that lead to anorexia.
Instructions
Recognize the Risk Factors for Anorexia
1. Know your family history. Anorexia does have a genetic component, meaning that parents may pass the disease on to their children.
2. Monitor peer groups. Anorexic behavior can be learned from friends, roommates and even parents or other family members.
3. Assess personality. Irritability, low self-image, perfectionism, obsession, withdrawal and approval-seeking personalities are often found in anorexia victims.
4. Study a person's ability to cope. People who cannot adjust to major life transitions or emotional upsets often display anorexic symptoms. Additionally, sexually or physically abused people have a greater likelihood of having the disease.
5. Beware of relationship conflicts. Many anorexics are able to trace the origins of their condition to a breakup, divorce or other uncontrollable situation.
6. Keep an eye on adolescents. This is the peak time for the development of anorexia because teens are thought to be frustrated by a lack of control over their own bodies, making them turn to anorexia for weight control.
7. Know the types of conditions that are already present. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety and addiction can all pave the way for anorexia.
Know Recognize the Physical Signs of Anorexia
8. Beware of baggy or over-sized clothing. Many anorexia sufferers hide physical signs by burying their bodies beneath layers of clothing.
9. Note any dramatic weight loss. Many people experience weight fluctuations, but anorexics have drastic and sudden changes in their weights.
10. Monitor dietary habits. Anorexics often choose low-calorie or fat-free foods while eating very little or skipping entire meals.
11. Pay attention to menstrual and sexual changes. Anorexic females may miss three or more menstrual cycles. Anorexic males may experience decreased sex drives.
12. Gauge the proper level of exercise. Many anorexics have an unhealthy fixation on fitness or exercise. Often, they work out until the point of exhaustion, without proper caloric intake.
13. Check the surface of the body. Yellow skin, dry nails, hair loss and bruising are some of the more evident physical signs of anorexia.
Tags: Physical Signs, , Recognize Physical Signs, anorexics have, , physical signs