THINK! BEFORE YOU WELCOME ANOREXIA WITH OPEN ARMS...
Eating is crucial for good health however in pursuit of slim figures people tend to overlook the benefits of eating good food. Growing kids need to eat nutritious food that too in sufficient quantities for the overall development of their body and mind. Unfortunately, kids especially those in their teens tend to regard food as their biggest enemy and something that will make their bodies look fat and ugly. At a time when most high school girls are in awe of Angelina Jolie for her flawless slim body, the craze for thin bodies will only continue to grow. What is Anorexia nervosa? Anorexia or anorexia nervosa can lead to depression and anxiety and no matter how thin a person is, there is this nagging fear of gaining weight. Since the exact causes of this disorder are not known, it may be a bit difficult to choose the right treatment for anorexia nervosa and the condition usually lasts for a long time. Anorexia nervosa signs may include a constant denial of feeling hungry, rapid weight loss, a feeling of being fat, rigorous exercise regime, and reluctance to participate in social activities. What is Bulimia Nervosa? This is the other extreme of anorexia nervosa where instead of eating less kids suffering from this disorder binge and purge. In other words, they are voracious eaters who consume food in huge quantities and then vomit or take laxatives to get rid of it. Bulimia may also be caused when a kid is undergoing a stressful period and resorts to excessive eating for consolation. Bulimia Nervosa treatment is extremely crucial, as this disorder often goes unnoticed due to the almost normal weight of the kid. Causes and treatments It may run in the family or some kids may feel compelled to be thin due to the sport they are pursuing. Thus, someone into gymnastics, ballet, or ice-skating may not want to be fat at all. Boys obsessed with wrestling may also want to have a perfect body. Anorexia may be a potential threat to vital organs like liver, kidneys, and heart. Anorexia can also affect the menstrual cycle leading to delayed periods or irregular periods. Brittle fingernails, hair loss, and breathing difficulties are other problems that may arise due to anorexia. Anorexic kids may also suffer from dizziness, headaches, and concentration difficulties that can seriously affect their academic performance. Lack of sufficient body fat to keep the body warm will make them feel cold even in warm temperatures. Kids suffering from bulimia may have heart problems due to loss of potassium during purging and may also have teeth problems, as the puke is acidic. While parenting may not be the exact cause of anorexia, parents can help their kids feel good about themselves by not giving too much importance to external appearance and also spend some time with their kids so that they don't feel unwanted. Treatment of anorexia is possible with the help of a dietitian and a therapist or a counselor who will investigate the causes of the disorder and accordingly advise a suitable diet plan to attain the right weight in the right manner. |