|
|
One of the most compelling signs of anorexia, and one of the most visible symptoms is a drastic amount of weight loss as a result of self-starvation. While sometimes it is hard to tell if an individual is really starving themselves, it eventually becomes evident to those around him or her. Rapidly losing a considerable amount of weight should make friends and family aware of the individual's actions.
|
|
An individual suffering from anorexia may be preoccupied with the fear of gaining weight. This is usually seen in obseesively reading and calculating caloric amounts and allowing themselves only a minimal amount of calories per day for fear of gaining weight.
|
|
The individual may not come right our and say they do not want to eat, but may constantly cover up opportunities to eat with statements such as "I am not hungry right now," "I already ate," "I don't like that," and many other excuses.
|
|
Denial of hunger usually goes along with refusing to eat. The individual convinces themselves they are not hungry and therefore do not need to eat. In all reality, food becomes an obsession, and anorexics are usually quite hungry physically, but choose to ignore this hunger.
|
|
An individual may become obsessed with exercising, often exercising for several hours a day, or immediately after eating. The individual may also become obsessed with the amounts of calories burned in various activities.
|
|
Eating less food means the body does not have enough fuel to burn to keep the body's temperature high enough. Usually, when there is a lask of available fuel, the body will begin to break down and use stored fat. When there is no stored fat to be used, the body find other means of keeping internal organs. A soft, downy layer of hair may grow on the individual's body which is called lanugo. This is the body's last resort for keeping itself warm.
|
|
This is directly related to the body not having enough fuel to burn to keep itself warm. Fat on the body serves the purpose of insulating internal organs to maintain proper body temperature. When this stored fat is depleted, the body becomes more sensitive to the cold. A warning sign that this is happening is that an anorexic individual may layer their clothing, or will wear clothing inappropriate to the weather, such as a winter jacket on a hot summer day.
|
|
Lack of nutrients can cause a condition called amenorrhea in which the body shuts down functions such as ovulation and menstruation in order to save energy and nutrients.
|
|
Lack of protein, caused by not eating causes hair and nails to look dull, and eventually hair will fall out. This is another visible sign of the illness, but usually occurs when an individual is advanced in the disease.
|
|
The individual may perceive themselves to be overweight or "fat." They may be very thin, and may often be told so by friends and family, but still this self-perception persists.
|
|