SLEEK BODY, BRITTLE BONES - THE SAD TRUTH ABOUT ANOREXIA
Eating less than required and the obsession for shedding pounds to attain a perfect body has led to a serious disorder called "Anorexia" mostly among young girls and women. This condition can be very fatal among kids who adore movie stars and models doing the rounds on magazine covers and television. As per the definition of anorexia nervosa, it is a serious psychological eating disorder that is characterized by reduced appetite or total aversion to food and is a condition that lasts for a long time. The other extreme of anorexia nervosa is bulimia, a condition where a person overeats and then vomits to keep obesity at bay. The effects of anorexia nervosa can be fatal and anorexic girls are usually susceptible to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, amenorrhea, anemia, and sometimes, even osteoporosis. While the older group is the one that's most affected by osteoporosis, a disorder of the skeletal system causing the deterioration of bone tissues, young girls below twenty years of age may also develop this disorder. Both anorexia nervosa and bulimia have similar side effects the most common being depression and feeling of helplessness. It may not be very easy to diagnose bulimia, as a person suffering from this disorder tends to maintain weight. You may however be able to spot some signs such as frequently going to the bathroom soon after meals, not much of weight gain in spite of eating large food quantities, frequent use of laxatives or diuretics, and withdrawing from social activities. On the other hands, constant denial of feeling hungry, rapid loss, and rigorous fitness regime are some of the most common Anorexia nervosa signs. Anorexia and Osteoporosis together can be a deadly combination, as weak bones and malnutrition can cause serious bone injuries and fractures. In addition, over-exercising to lose weight can take a toll on your overall health. Although the exact reasons of osteoporosis among anorexic girls remain unknown, health experts believe that lack of proper nutrition, amenorrhea, rigorous workouts, and reduced estrogen levels are mainly responsible for the development of this disorder. While there are treatments for anorexia nervosa to control the symptoms and reverse the psychological effects, there is very little that can be done to reverse the bone damage that has already been caused. Bone deterioration is detected only after some initial damage to the bones that follows after strict dieting. The worst thing about osteoporosis is that it continues to affect anorexic women for some time even after they resume proper diet and maintain a normal body weight. While anorexia treatment is possible with the help of a therapist/counselor and a dietitian an estrogen replacement therapy can be used to reverse the effects of osteoporosis. Anorexic girls suffering from osteoporosis can also get relief from calcium and vitamin D supplements that prevent bone deterioration. It is advisable to see an orthopedist at the earliest to ensure sound health of the skeletal system. Anorexic girls may also seek help from an anorexia treatment center to control the disorder before its too late. |