Anorexia, which refers to self-starvation and lack of appetite is a form of a psychological eating disorder. It is often connected with low self-esteem, unhealthy self-image and a feeling of intense distress.

 

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In Nigeria, there are however few reports about it, but that doesn’t mean it does not exist. For so many, they are unaware, their obsessiveness about losing weight can lead to anorexia. Others are clueless about how the remorse they feel after eating a meal can have mental repercussions. In its true state, anorexic patients often equate thinness with self-worth.

The reality of Anorexia nervosa, simply called anorexia, could lead to death from starvation, or suicide from depression. What makes the difference is what happens to a patient is how soon they are willing to admit to the disorder. They may either report it to someone trustworthy or a professional certified to aid them.

People with this disorder equate their weight loss with self-worth. They deliberately want to lose weight even if they don’t have it to begin with. When examined, their body weight does not equate with their height and body type.

Therefore, they are unhealthy and susceptible to detrimental health conditions that may lead to death in a worst-case scenario.

 

Still in doubt? Here are some lies anorexia may feed your mind;

I’m not thin so I’m fine!

Although anorexic patients are equated with thinness, another disorder is similarly detrimental. For bulimia nervosa, you don’t have to be thin as there’s more internal damage than external. The patients may appear healthy but they tend to have a negative outlook on food. They use bingeing and purging to control weight.

 

You are fat!

Low body weight, the fear of gaining weight, and overall distorted perception of weight are the characteristics of anorexia. Thin patients perceive themselves as fat. They place such high value on their weight, which distorts how they perceive themselves. Therefore, they use any means to control their weight. They could either restrict the amount of food they eat, vomit, stuff their throat with cotton wool to curb appetite, excessive exercising, or even misuse of laxatives. Subsequently, the more they lose the weight, the more they believe they need to lose more.

 

 

Only girls can have it!

Being male does not strike you off the list just yet. Humans are the same irrespective of gender. Therefore, they are exposed to the same social media, culture, and everything that can disrupt one’s self-image. A higher percentage of cases reported are from females. However, this does not imply that males – who may be quiet about their struggles – aren’t going through it. They also go through eating disorders that may be spurned out of the need to be loved and accepted – even by themselves.

 

You’re alone!

The willingness to go through treatment is vital. However, you need to realise there is no shame in admittance. You’re not alone as many have walked through that path too. There are many cases of people suffering from anorexia.  What you do after you realise you have a disorder can then either make or mar you.

 

 

Anorexia isn’t serious!

Anorexia is an extremely unhealthy and sometimes life-threatening way to cope with emotional problems. It may seem like just a weight loss journey to you but it’s not. That negative self-image can lead to drastic actions like self-harm. Gradually and subconsciously, starving yourself of food can lead to death. If death isn’t serious, then what is?

 

 

Anorexia can’t be treated

While anorexia causes patients to have a very distorted body image, it’s not true that it can’t be treated. Although psychological, there are ways to identify it physically and treat psychologically. There are also many cases of people who have survived anorexia. Doctors identify anorexia through the BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculator. This is a tool that accesses the appropriateness of body weight relative to your height and body type. Subsequently, they can observe the patient’s eating pattern and personality traits.

Are you or anyone you know battling with an eating disorder? Don’t hold back. Reach out!

 

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