Indicators of Anorexia Nervosa Among Adolescents

by Ellern Mede Eating Disorder Treatment

Over the past few decades, life has become increasingly more challenging to live for the adolescents and teens in the U.K. With the amplified prevalence of drugs and violence on the streets and in the media, the youth of our country are faced with the difficult task of trying to navigate through the minefield of pitfalls looking to knock them from the path of success. Again, the media can be the focus of some of the blame for the downfall of the nation's teens. Perhaps one of the largest criticisms against the mainstream media in the U.K. is its unfair depiction of body images.

The media, whether broadcast or printed, is often guilty of using unrealistic examples of body images, ones that are not achievable or even healthy for most youth to even attempt to duplicate. This can prove to be a detriment to the self-esteem of adolescents and teens across the country that use unhealthy and dangerous methods to try and reach the unrealistic examples the media presents them with. One of the most serious lengths some teens, and adults alike, go to is anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa is a serious and sometimes life-threatening eating disorder where one refuses to eat, leaving them far below his or her respective average body weight. Accompanying the above behaviour is a distorted image of one's body, a fear of gaining weight from eating, and full denial that there is even a problem. Without the right treatment in an anorexia treatment centre, anorexia can prove to be fatal over time. Even if death is avoided over time, long-term health problems such as osteoporosis, low blood pressure, and irregular heart rates are often inevitable.

The real danger of anorexia is that many people frequently miss or ignore signs or symptoms that someone they love is suffering from the mental disease. What makes it even more difficult is that when people do spot signs of a potential case of anorexia, the person afflicted with the illness is often dismissive and is able to hide the practice through his or her actions. The earlier one is able to recognise the symptoms of anorexia, the faster they can find the right adolescent anorexia treatment near them and the better the chances they will be able to help the one who is suffering from it. For those who think they might know someone who is anorexic, but are not quite sure, here are some tell-tale warning signs of anorexia that should be paid attention to:

Meals are frequently skipped. The party in question will often furnish such excuses as "they are not hungry," or "they already ate."
The person checks his or her weight frequently throughout the day.
They only eat "healthy" foods, consisting of low-fat, low-calorie foods.
They exhibit unusual eating habits like weighing portions, spitting after chewing, playing with the food on his or her plate regularly.
They make constant complaints about his or her body image and/or weight.
They begin to exercise and/or workout uncontrollably.
They begin to wear baggy clothing or opting for several layers.

The above list is in no way an all-inclusive list of signs and symptoms of anorexia, and one or two of these signs may not necessarily signal an eating disorder. Through close surveillance and an understanding of what to look for, loved ones have the ability to spot anorexia and bring it to the forefront, perhaps before it is too late.