Women's Health

Anorexia

Written by Mark Abell

Anorexia is being described within the American society more now than perhaps ever before, and it affects women more than men. The term anorexia is used to define an eating disorder that is characterized by self-induced weight loss and a psychological need to be thin, even though the actual weight is well within normal limits. It is a chronic disorder that affects mostly affluent women (more than ninety-five percent of women with the problem are, in fact, affluent). The problem with anorexia is not the need to remain thin (and appealing), but the nutritional disturbances that are encountered due to the need to remain thin. The result is usually a depletion of weight and necessary nutrients and vitamins.

The disorder was first described more than 300 years ago when a physician followed the weight loss of a female with "skeleton only clad skin". Later, in 1874, the disorder was given identity, termed "anorexia nervosa", which describes a nervous and morbid disease associated with a general loss of appetite and weight loss. These patients are often very preoccupied with their food intake and a real psychological struggle with what they eat in order to remain "thin".

To give some idea as to where the problems associated with this disorder generated and why it is becoming more common, an understanding of the general shift in the female mindset over the years is necessary. Historically speaking, as in the time before the early part of this century, women were considered "fashionable" when plump - it offered a sign of fertility, wealth, and abundance. As time went on, women thought about success (as in the work force), assertiveness, and independence, which has given rise to the need to be thin and attractive. In other words, a thin, appealing and attractive body equated to success. Hence, there was a need to be thin, and women who did not fit the picture suffered. Consider, for example, the ways in which mass media use the attractive, sexy female to depict culture and to sell items on television. All of the models which are showcased on television are thin and attractive. It would be worth noting that although a plump woman might have been used before, a woman who is not attractive would probably never be used in the same ways, at least not on television. From these factors, as well as others which have been described during studies, the general idea to be thin means acceptance; the amount of peer pressure, therefore, continues to be one of the main factors influencing developing young women. Additionally, more recent studies have shown that there might be a correlation between the anorexic child and sexual abuse, but more studies are needed to confirm the hypothesis.

From a psychological point of view, it has been theorized that the anorexic child or young woman has a problem with her identity and the ways she can manipulate her environment (to control her surroundings). From various studies, it has been shown that a good number of the people with anorexia develop within families that teach the child that outward appearances are more important that the inside person. As society continues to use the image as a tool to manipulate sales and change the way people think, it is no wonder that the problems associated with anorexia are on the rise. Generally speaking, the family actually supports the needs to become anorexic as the parents continue to promote an image of a "good child" that needs to be perfect, without failure. However, the child never really reaches the expectations of the parents and a viscous cycle of not meeting family needs goes on. Anorexia usually starts to manifest in the child's behavior as she starts puberty, which is not surprising at all; this is the time when the need for social acceptance is at its peek. In fact, over eighty percent of girls with anorexia develop the problem within seven years after menarche (starting their periods).

It is important to note that anorexia is not bulimia. Bulimia is the disorder that is associated the self-induced vomiting after eating or the chronic use of diuretics in order to lose weight. The term "bulimia" is Greek, meaning "overeating".

The treatment for anorexia is two-fold. First, the goal is to help provide adequate nutrition for the child while attempting to halt or prevent medical complications due to the disorder. Secondly, psychological counseling is used to try to "undo" whatever caused the disorder in the first place. Both of these goals are not easy. A well trained physician and counselor (together) can help bring the child to understand that she must take responsibility for her own body; but convincing the child that she is not overweight will continue to be a problem. A great deal of trust must be fostered within the group and it is often necessary (and prudent) to engage the family unit. Results are different within groups and family structures. Regarding success of programs, most people who have been diagnosed with the disorder (and treated) get better; in fact, over seventy-five percent of patients respond to therapy.

For more information about anorexia, visit the following URLs on the Internet:

Anorexia Nervosa

Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia

MedicineNet - Anorexia Nervosa

Research RE: Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

Mental Health Net - Anorexia Nervosa General Information

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