anorexia nervosa informative essay

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Recent advances in understanding anorexia nervosa

Guido k.w. frank.

1 Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

2 Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

Megan E. Shott

Marisa c. deguzman.

Anorexia nervosa is a complex psychiatric illness associated with food restriction and high mortality. Recent brain research in adolescents and adults with anorexia nervosa has used larger sample sizes compared with earlier studies and tasks that test specific brain circuits. Those studies have produced more robust results and advanced our knowledge of underlying biological mechanisms that may contribute to the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa. It is now recognized that malnutrition and dehydration lead to dynamic changes in brain structure across the brain, which normalize with weight restoration. Some structural alterations could be trait factors but require replication. Functional brain imaging and behavioral studies have implicated learning-related brain circuits that may contribute to food restriction in anorexia nervosa. Most notably, those circuits involve striatal, insular, and frontal cortical regions that drive learning from reward and punishment, as well as habit learning. Disturbances in those circuits may lead to a vicious cycle that hampers recovery. Other studies have started to explore the neurobiology of interoception or social interaction and whether the connectivity between brain regions is altered in anorexia nervosa. All together, these studies build upon earlier research that indicated neurotransmitter abnormalities in anorexia nervosa and help us develop models of a distinct neurobiology that underlies anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by a persistent restriction of energy intake and leads to a body weight that is significantly lower than what is expected for height and age 1 . There is either an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat or persistent behavior that interferes with weight gain (even though at significantly low weight). Individuals with AN experience a disturbance in the way one’s body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body shape and weight on self-evaluation, or persistent lack of recognition of the seriousness of the current low body weight. A restricting type has been distinguished from a binge eating/purging type; individuals in the latter group may intermittently have binge eating episodes or may use self-induced vomiting to avoid weight gain. AN shows a complex interplay between neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors 2 and is a chronic disorder with frequent relapse, high treatment costs, and severe disease burden 3 , 4 . AN has a mortality rate 12 times higher than the death rate for all causes of death for females 15 to 24 years old 5 – 7 . Treatment success is modest, and no medication has been approved for AN treatment 8 .

Various psychological or psychodynamic theories have been developed in the past to explain the causes of AN but their underlying theories have been difficult to test 9 . On the contrary, neurobiological research using techniques such as human brain imaging leads to more directly testable hypotheses and holds promise to help us tease apart mechanisms that contribute to the onset of the illness, maintenance of AN behavior, and recovery from AN. This article will review recent advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of AN. Neurobiology is a branch of the life sciences, which deals with the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system 10 . Neurobiology is closely associated with the field of neuroscience, a branch of biology, which tries to understand brain function, from gross anatomy to neural circuits and cells that comprise them 11 . The goal of neurobiological research in AN is to develop a medical model perspective to reduce stigma and help develop better treatments 12 . At the earlier stages of brain research in AN, study samples tended to be quite small, which made replication difficult 13 . Most frequently, altered serotonin function was associated with AN and anxiety in the disorder 14 . More recent brain research has built upon those studies and increased sample sizes in structural studies and introduced studying brain function in relation to specific tasks that are thought be related to food restriction, anxiety, and body image distortion. Most studies have been carried out in adults, although there is a growing body of literature that investigated youth with AN.

The most frequently applied brain imaging study design in the past studied brain volume in AN, and more recent research now allows cortical thickness of the brain to be investigated. For a long time, there was the notion that gray matter volume and cortical thickness are lower in patients with AN (when ill and after recovery) than in controls. This research was pioneered by Katzman et al . in adolescents with AN 15 , 16 . However, recent research by Bernardoni et al . 17 and King et al . 18 in adolescents and young adults indicated that such abnormalities are rather short-lived and that both lower volume and cortical thickness normalize with weight recovery. Animal studies suggest that those changes may be due to the effects of malnutrition and dehydration on astrocytes within the brain connective tissue 19 . Two studies from our group have found larger orbitofrontal cortex and insula volume in adults and adolescents with AN after 1 to 2 weeks of normalization of food intake or in individuals after recovery, and orbitofrontal cortex volume was related to taste pleasantness 20 , 21 . Those results were intriguing as they implicated taste perception in relation to brain volume but they need replication. New data from our group in healthy first-degree relatives of patients with AN also show larger orbitofrontal cortex volume, supporting a trait abnormality (unpublished data). Studies by Bernardoni et al . in young adults have found abnormalities in gray matter gyrification in AN, and nutritional rehabilitation seems to normalize altered cortical folding 22 . A valuable lesson from those studies is that food intake can have dramatic effects on brain structure. Whether lower or higher brain volume in AN has implications on illness behavior or is instead an effect of malnutrition without effects on behavior is still unclear and needs further research 23 , 24 .

Functional brain imaging provides the opportunity to tie behavior to brain activation and thus to distinct brain neurobiology, which could become a treatment target. Several aspects of behavior in AN stand out. One is the ability to restrict food intake to the point of emaciation while the typical mechanisms to maintain a healthy body weight are inefficient. Another is how the body can maintain this behavior even when AN patients in therapy are trying to break that behavior pattern.

Relevant to food avoidance behavior is the brain reward system, which processes the motivation to eat and hedonic experience after food intake, and also calculates and updates how valuable a specific food is to us 25 . This circuitry includes the insula, which contains the primary taste cortex, the ventral striatum that comprises dopamine terminals to drive food approach, and the orbitofrontal cortex that calculates a value, while the hypothalamus integrates body signals on hunger and satiety for higher-order decision making and food approach. Many studies have used visual food cues but it has been difficult to draw conclusions on the pathophysiology of AN from those studies 26 .

Several studies from our group using sugar taste stimuli have found that brain activation in adolescent and adult AN was elevated compared with controls in response to unexpected receipt or omission of sweet taste in the insula and striatum 27 , 28 . This so-called “prediction error” response has been associated with brain dopamine circuitry and serves as a learning signal to drive approach or avoidance of salient stimuli in the environment in the future. In addition, orbitofrontal cortex prediction error response correlated positively with anxiety measures in AN 28 , 29 . We found a similar pattern of elevated brain activation in AN to unexpected receipt or omission of monetary stimuli, suggesting a food-independent alteration of brain dopamine circuitry. Importantly, those studies have also shown that brain response was predictive of weight gain during treatment and that brain dopamine function could have an important role in weight recovery in AN. This was supported by a retrospective chart review in adolescents with AN that suggested that the dopamine D 2 receptor partial agonist aripiprazole was associated with higher weight gain in a structured treatment program in comparison with patients not on that medication 30 . Mechanistically, it was hypothesized that dopamine D 2 receptor stimulation might be desensitizing those receptors and normalize behavior response. This, however, is speculative and controlled studies are lacking.

Other lines of research on the pathophysiology of AN are directed toward feedback learning, and several studies have found that AN is associated with alterations, behaviorally or in brain response. A study by Foerde and Steinglass, who investigated learning using a picture association task in patients with AN before and after weight restoration, indicated deficits in feedback learning and generalization of learned information in comparison with controls 31 . Such alterations could translate directly into difficulties in behavior modification toward recovery. Studies from Ehrlich’s group found normal feedback learning in ill, but reduced performance on reversal learning in recovered AN, which made the impact of learning in ill AN less clear 32 , 33 . Furthermore, Bernardoni et al ., using a different study design, found that individuals with AN had an increased learning rate and elevated medial frontal cortex response following punishment 34 . That result supports previous findings of elevated sensitivity to punishment in AN as a possible biological trait 35 . Another very interesting study by Foerde et al . tested brain response to food choice presenting images of food and that research implicated the dorsal striatum in this process in AN 36 . The authors also found that the strength of connectivity between striatum and frontal cortex activation correlated inversely with actual caloric food intake in a test meal after the brain scan. The authors interpreted the findings to mean that this frontostriatal involvement in AN could contribute to habit formation of food restriction behavior. Behavioral research has provided evidence that habit formation or habit strength could be necessary for the perpetuation of AN behaviors and this concept is important to study further 37 – 39 .

The self-perception of being fat despite being underweight is another aspect of AN that the field continues to struggle with in finding its underlying pathophysiology. Some studies have found a specific brain response related to altered processing of visual information or tasks that tested interoception. For instance, Kerr et al . 40 found elevated insula activation during an abdomen perception task, and Xu et al . 41 found that a frontal and cingulate cortex response during a social evaluation task correlated with body shape concerns. A study by Hagman et al ., however, indicated a strong cognitive and emotional influence on body image distortion, and the intersection between altered perception and fear-driven self-perception needs further study 42 . Social interaction and its brain biology constitute another area that was hypothesized to be related to AN behaviors and some research is emerging on this topic. For instance, a study by McAdams et al . showed that the quality of the social relationship or social reciprocity tested in a trust game showed lower occipito-parietal brain response in patients with AN in comparison with a control group 43 . This research suggests altered reward experience from interpersonal contact in AN, which could impact emotional well-being and interfere with recovery. Oxytocin, a peptide hormone related to social behavior, could play a role but this requires more detailed research 44 .

Studies on brain connectivity can test either what brain regions work in concert during a specific task (functional connectivity) or what the hierarchical organization is between areas in the brain (that is, what region drives another) (effective connectivity). Several studies in the past have shown that resting-state functional connectivity is altered in patients with AN compared with control groups. Those studies repeatedly found altered connectivity that involved the insula, a region associated with taste perception, prediction error processing, and integration of body perception, as reviewed by Gaudio et al . 45 . More recent studies found higher or lower resting-state activation in AN across various networks and during rest or task conditions 39 , 46 – 49 . Longitudinal studies will need to test what might be the best resting-state network to focus on to predict, for instance, illness outcome or whether functional connectivity during specific tasks such as taste processing could be more informative. One study by Boehm et al . found normalization of functional connectivity in the default mode but continued abnormal frontoparietal network connectivity in recovered AN 50 . It remains to be seen whether functional connectivity will normalize with recovery or can identify long-lasting or maybe trait alterations.

Effective connectivity studies indicated that while viewing fearful faces, a group with AN had deficits of brain connectivity between prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, which correlated with measures for anxiety and eating behaviors in a study by Rangaprakash et al . 51 . Studies from our group that assessed effective connectivity during the tasting of sucrose solution found that, whereas in controls the hypothalamus drove ventral striatum response, in patients with AN, effective connectivity was directed from the ventral striatum to the hypothalamus 28 , 52 . Previously, a dopamine-dependent pathway from the ventral striatum to the hypothalamus that mediates fear was described and we hypothesized that this circuitry might be activated in AN to override appetitive hypothalamic signals 53 .

In summary, brain research has started to make inroads into the pathophysiology of AN. We have learned that malnutrition has significant effects on brain structure, changes that can recover with weight restoration, but whether those alterations have an impact on illness behavior remains unclear 23 . Research into the function of brain circuits has implicated reward pathways and malnutrition-driven alterations of dopamine responsiveness together with neuroendocrine changes, and high anxiety may interfere with normal mechanisms that drive eating behavior 54 . Habit learning and associated striatal-frontal brain connectivity could provide another mechanism of how brain function and interaction of cortical and sub-cortical regions may perpetuate illness behavior that is difficult to overcome. Those advances are promising to establish that AN is associated with a distinct brain pathophysiology. This will help researchers develop effective biological treatments that improve recovery and help prevent relapse. A significant challenge to overcome will be to integrate the differing brain research studies and develop a unified model 13 . Critical in this effort will be well-powered and comparable study designs across research groups, which take into account confounding factors such as comorbidity and medication use and which use rigorous standards for data analysis.

[version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Funding Statement

This work was supported by National Institute of Mental Health grants MH096777 and MH103436 (both to GKWF) and by T32HD041697 (University of Colorado Neuroscience Program) and National Institutes of Health/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences Colorado Clinical and Translational Science Awards grant TL1 TR001081 (both to MCD).

The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Editorial Note on the Review Process

F1000 Faculty Reviews are commissioned from members of the prestigious F1000 Faculty and are edited as a service to readers. In order to make these reviews as comprehensive and accessible as possible, the referees provide input before publication and only the final, revised version is published. The referees who approved the final version are listed with their names and affiliations but without their reports on earlier versions (any comments will already have been addressed in the published version).

The referees who approved this article are:

• Carrie J McAdams , Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA No competing interests were disclosed.
• Janet Treasure , Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK No competing interests were disclosed.

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• Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia (an-o-REK-see-uh) nervosa, often simply called anorexia, is a treatable eating disorder in which people have a low body weight based on personal weight history. Although many people with anorexia look very thin, some may not look thin and others may look overweight. But they've actually lost weight or failed to gain needed weight.

People who have anorexia often have a strong fear of gaining weight and may think they're overweight, even when they're thin. To prevent weight gain or continue to lose weight, people with anorexia often limit the amount or type of food they eat. They place a high value on controlling their weight and shape and use extreme efforts that can greatly harm their lives.

Anorexia can cause changes in the brain due to very poor nutrition, also called malnutrition. This is when people don't get the nutrients that their bodies need to stay healthy. So it's not a choice to continue the risky and damaging behavior.

If left untreated, weight loss can get to a point where people with anorexia are at high risk of serious physical harm or death. Anorexia has the second-highest death rate of any mental illness, surpassed only by opioid overdoses. Most deaths related to anorexia stem from heart conditions and suicide.

Anorexia, like other eating disorders, can take over people's lives and be very hard to overcome. Because it's related to changes in the brain, anorexia behaviors are not choices, and the illness is not really about food or looking a certain way. With proven treatment, people with anorexia can return to a healthy weight, develop more-balanced eating habits, and reverse some of anorexia's serious medical and mental health complications.

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The physical and behavioral symptoms of anorexia nervosa relate to how starvation affects the brain. It may be hard to notice symptoms because what is seen as a low body weight differs for each person. Some people with anorexia may not look very thin. Also, people often hide their thinness, eating habits or physical problems.

Physical symptoms

Physical symptoms of anorexia nervosa may include irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure and dehydration. Dehydration happens when your body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out normal functions. Your fingers may look blue and you may have dry skin. You may notice a change in your skin color, such as yellowing of the skin. You may have hair that thins, breaks or falls out. You also may have soft, downy hair covering your body.

Other physical symptoms include:

• Extreme weight loss or not making expected weight gains based on age.
• Being very tired and weak.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Having a hard time passing stool and having stomach pain.
• Not able to stand the cold, or feeling cold when others feel fine.
• Swelling of the arms or legs.
• Wearing away of the teeth and calluses on your knuckles from causing yourself to vomit.
• Stomachaches.
• Never feeling hungry or feeling hungry and getting full right away after eating a very small portion.
• Having a hard time concentrating or focusing.
• Increased anxiety.
• Stress fractures or reduced bone mass.

If you're female and not taking a contraceptive, you may not have menstrual periods.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms

You may have an extreme focus on food. Sometimes this includes cooking meals for others but not eating those meals. You may skip meals or refuse to eat. You also may severely limit the amount of food you eat through dieting or fasting, not admit to being hungry, or make excuses for not eating.

When you eat, you may eat only a few certain "safe" foods — often foods low in fat and calories. You also may focus too much on eating "clean" or healthy and stop eating specific types of food in a way that has not been recommended by a healthcare professional. You may take on rigid meal or eating habits, such as spitting out food after chewing. You may not want to eat in public. You also may lie about how much food you've eaten.

You may have a type of anorexia where you binge and purge like with bulimia. Binges are when you feel like you can't control what or how much you eat. Binges can sometimes be large amounts of food. But overall, if you have the binge-purge type of anorexia, you eat much less than you need. Purges are when you make yourself vomit, or you misuse enemas, laxatives, diuretics, diet aids or herbal products to get rid of food that you ate. You lose too much weight and have very low body weight, compared with your personal weight history.

Other emotional and behavioral symptoms of anorexia may include:

• Too much exercise. This includes exercising when you're injured, instead of doing something you value or enjoy, or exercising to such a degree of intensity that it's notably different from the people around you.
• Fear of weight gain. Being scared to gain weight may include the need to weigh or measure your body over and over again.
• Focus on appearance. This includes checking in the mirror often for what you think are flaws and wearing layers of clothing to cover up.
• Concern about being overweight. This includes concerns about being fat or having parts of the body that are fat.
• Emotional changes. You may lack emotion or feel emotionally flat. You may not want to be social. You also could be angry or irritable. You may have little interest in sex.
• Trouble sleeping. This also is known as insomnia.

You also may hurt yourself. Or you may think or talk about suicide or attempt suicide.

When to see a doctor

Because of how malnutrition affects the brain, someone with anorexia may not want to be treated. A core feature of anorexia is that people with the eating disorder usually don't see how serious their symptoms are. This is because of the way anorexia affects the brain.

If someone in your life has anorexia, it's better to take action — even if you think it could be an overreaction — rather than let symptoms continue. Early treatment of eating disorders leads to the best outcomes.

If you're worried about a loved one, urge your loved one to talk to a healthcare professional. If you're a parent or caregiver who is concerned about your child's eating habits, weight or body image, share your concerns with your child's healthcare professional.

If you think you have an eating disorder, get help. If you're thinking about suicide, contact a suicide hotline. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat . Services are free and confidential. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

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The causes of anorexia nervosa aren't known. As with many diseases, it's probably a mix of factors:

• Genetics. Although it isn't yet clear which genes are involved, genetic changes may make you more likely to develop anorexia. That involves having genetic traits that include feeling the need to be perfect or being very sensitive.
• Mental health. People with eating disorders sometimes have obsessive-compulsive personality traits that make it easier to stick to strict diets and not eat, even though they're hungry. They also may try to be perfect in everything they do.
• Environmental. Modern Western culture puts a lot of focus on being thin. Social media plays a big role. Peer pressure may cause you to want to be thin, lean or muscular. A constant push to eat a healthy diet could lead to very strict eating habits. These habits could turn into eating disorders.

Risk factors

Anorexia nervosa affects all gender identities, races, ages, incomes and body types.

Anorexia also is more common among teenagers, although people of any age can develop this eating disorder. Teens may be more at risk because of all the changes their bodies go through during puberty. They also may face more peer pressure and be more sensitive to criticism or even casual comments about weight or body shape.

Certain factors raise the risk of anorexia and other eating disorders, including:

• Family history. If you have a first-degree relative — a parent, sibling or child — who had anorexia, you have a higher risk of developing it.
• A history of weight bullying. People who have been teased or bullied about their weight are more likely to develop eating disorders. This includes people with peers, family members, coaches and others who have shamed them for their weight.
• A history of dieting. Dieting behaviors raise the risk of an eating disorder. People who are always dieting and whose weight is always going up and down as they get on and off new diets could develop an eating disorder.
• Transitions. Major changes can bring emotional stress and raise the risk of anorexia. Such changes include a new school, home or job, as well as a relationship breakup or the death or illness of a loved one.

Complications

Anorexia nervosa can have many complications. At its most severe, it can be fatal. Death may happen suddenly — even if you aren't visibly underweight. Irregular heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias, can lead to death. Also, an imbalance of electrolytes — minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium that maintain the balance of fluids in the body — also can lead to death.

Other complications of anorexia include:

• Other heart conditions, such as mitral valve prolapse or heart failure. Mitral valve prolapse happens when the valve between the heart's upper and lower left chambers doesn't close properly.
• Bone loss, also known as osteoporosis, which can raise the risk of fractures.
• Loss of muscle.
• Stomach problems, such as constipation, bloating or nausea.
• Kidney problems.

In females, anorexia can lead to having no period. In males, it can decrease testosterone.

If you become severely malnourished, every organ system in your body can be damaged. This damage may not be fully reversible, even when the anorexia is under control.

In addition to physical complications, you also may have other mental health symptoms and conditions, including:

• Depression and other mood disorders.
• Personality disorders.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorders.
• Alcohol and substance misuse.
• Self-injury, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide.

There's no guaranteed way to prevent anorexia nervosa. Primary healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, family medicine professionals and internal medicine professionals, may be in a good position to see early signs that could lead to anorexia. For instance, they can ask questions about eating habits and satisfaction with appearance during routine medical appointments. This could open a discussion about how this relates to health and where to get help if needed.

If you notice that people have dieting habits that seem too rigid, or they're unhappy with their appearance, think about talking to them about these issues. Although you may not be able to prevent an eating disorder from starting, you can talk about your concerns and offer to assist them in finding help if needed.

Examples of organizations that offer support for caregivers, friends and family members of people with eating disorders include the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T.).

• Feeding and eating disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5-TR. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2022. https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• Anorexia nervosa. Office on Women's Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• Anorexia nervosa. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• Klein K, et al. Anorexia nervosa in adults: Clinical features, course of illness, assessment and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• Walsh BT. Anorexia nervosa in adults: Pharmacotherapy. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• Ferri FF. Anorexia nervosa. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2024. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• Mehler P. Anorexia nervosa in adults and adolescents: Medical complications and their management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• Anorexia nervosa. National Eating Disorders Association. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• 10 things to know about dietary supplements for children and teens. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-safety-of-dietary-supplements-for-children-and-teens. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• Mehler P. Anorexia nervosa in adults: Evaluation for medical complications and criteria for hospitalization to manage these complications. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• Lebow JR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. May 14, 2024.
• Hope starts here. National Eating Disorders Association. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• What is F.E.A.S.T? Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T.). https://www.feast-ed.org/what-is-feast. Accessed March 22, 2024.
• Rizzuto L, et al. Yoga as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of people with anorexia nervosa: A Delphi study. Journal of Eating Disorders. 2021; doi:10.1186/s40337-021-00467-9.
• Chan JKN, et al. Life expectancy and years of potential life lost in people with mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. 2023; doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102294.

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Anorexia Essay: How to Work with a Scary Topic and Do It Right

Table of Contents

When you study at the Nutrition department or prepare to become a medical specialist, you’re sure to get an eating disorder essay assignment one day. This problem has become quite commonplace, with a complex of eating problems awaiting people who are too obsessed with slim body images on social media and want to lose weight at all costs.

Because of the popularity of slim body images and young people’s obsession with the sporty body, the problem of anorexia is getting acuter day by day. So, when you get an anorexia essay assignment, be ready to do some thorough research, develop strong arguments, and compose a paper in line with academic writing rules.

If you’re confused about this task, here are some working tips to get the process going.

What Is Anorexia and How to Talk About It

Problems with eating surface not that quickly. At first, individuals may limit their portion sizes and refuse some products that they believe are dangerous for their weight. Next, they refrain from several meals a day, leaving only 1-2 food intakes to stay slim and not to overeat. As a result of such severe limitations in eating, some people develop anorexia nervosa.

This disease goes far beyond a permanent loss of appetite and manifests itself in various neurological and gastrointestinal problems. Its common symptoms are:

• Extreme, uncontrollable weight loss
• Unhealthy thinness
• Fatigue experienced during a significant part of the day
• Unexpected attacks of dizziness and frequent fainting
• Thinning hair and breaking nails
• Intolerance to cold
• Hypertension
• The inability of the gastrointestinal tract to process the consumed food – nausea and vomiting after food intakes

Given such an abundance of symptoms and clinical manifestations of this condition, you can approach the subject from several angles. Some students discuss the psychological causes of the disorder in their anorexia essay papers. Others focus on the biological mechanisms of anorexia development. Another interesting approach is to consider clinical evidence of therapeutic methods to treat anorexic people and help them regain a healthy weight.

How to Write an Eating Disorder Thesis Statement

The first task that you should complete in crafting your anorexia essay is developing a solid, clear thesis statement. It is a crucial element of your assignment that will guide the readers from the introduction to the concluding part, giving them a firm grasp of your logic and argument flow.

Thus, to build a robust and believable thesis, you need to follow these guidelines:

• Choose a sub-topic within the subject of eating disorders. Formulate for yourself what you think about this topic first.
• Try to express your central idea in one sentence, showing your primary arguments and focus.
• Mention the arguments supporting your central claim briefly in this statement, without going into too much detail.
• Place the thesis statement correctly at the end of your introductory section to ensure that the readers and supervisor will locate it.

Anorexia Essay Outline

Now let’s consider a sample outline for an anorexia essay, which can serve as your guidance in future work on such papers.

INTRODUCTION

Introduce the broad context. Give some stats and facts. Delineate a concrete problem and its significance. Formulate a thesis statement.

Diet – a personal choice or a disorder? Global population (2.9 mln) affected by anorexia. No apparent cause identified yet (genetic, neurological factors). A variety of treatment modalities available today and their varying effectiveness. 

Paragraphs #1-3

Present a topic sentence with one central idea per paragraph. Add some credible evidence from external sources to support the points. Interpret the information you’ve provided.

Paragraph #1 – the process of anorexia development, extreme dieting, forced vomiting after eating to control body weight, obsession with slim body images. The result – clinical anorexia symptoms.

Paragraph #2 – the inability of anorexic individuals to reverse the process (return to healthy eating after achieving the weight loss goal). Clinical complications of anorexia (osteoporosis, infertility, heart damage). Forced feeding of anorexic individuals to prevent terminal organ failure.

Paragraph #3 – Treatment modalities – psychotherapy, healthy weight gain, and addressing the problematic behaviors (forced vomiting, food refusal). Effectiveness of CBT and family therapy. Pharmacological treatments.

Make a summary of what’s been said and reinforce the readers’ impression by referencing the broader context (public health, teen health, the devastating impact of social media, etc.).

Anorexia is not a strict diet. It is a neurological disorder that can cause morbidity and mortality among patients. Because of the absence of a clear understanding of its underlying causes, anorexia needs to be treated on a case-by-case basis by giving each patient an individual treatment plan in line with their health state and anorexia triggers. 

Eating Disorders: Conclusion That’ll Earn You A+ Grade

A conclusion of your anorexia essay should summarize all the evidence you provided in the body of your paper and return to the problem’s significance in the broader context of public health. Depending on your essay’s topic, you can draw some recommendations on helping young people avoid anorexia or some workable methods for managing this condition more efficiently.

Sample Essay on How We Should Treat People with Anorexia

Our writing experts have crafted a short essay sample based on the outline presented in the section above. Use it as a reference when preparing your following paper on this subject.

For many people, choosing what to eat and when to do it is a voluntary act. For those with anorexia nervosa, eating has become an impossible challenge, an act that they cannot commit voluntarily, even for the sake of their survival. At present, over 2.9 million people are affected by anorexia worldwide, suffering extreme weight loss, multiple organ problems, osteoporosis, heart damage, and a complex of other devastating consequences of strict dieting and food refusal. Thus, what starts as a diet for the sake of healthy weight loss and body slimming often ends with a clinical disorder with no cure. Still, the issue is grave for people affected by this condition as they need efficient, professional treatment to start eating normally again and avoid lethal malnourishment. This paper discusses the causes, manifestations, and treatment modalities for anorexia nervosa known today in an effort to find workable solutions for the affected patients.

No single cause of anorexia development has yet been identified, with a mixture of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors coming into play. Jameson (2009) discovered that anorexic patients often view themselves as overweight (even if they are thin) and deny any weight loss or nutrition problems. As a result of the distorted body image and an obsession with slimness, anorexic people force themselves to vomit, refuse many food types, engage in excessive exercise and use laxatives to prevent excessive body fat accumulation (Mary, 2007).

As a result, the process of body weight loss becomes irreversible and cannot be dropped even after the clinical problem is clear. Individuals with anorexia often develop osteoporosis, suffer from irreversible organ failure, and lose fertility (especially females). Anorexic patients refuse therapeutic interventions, vomit secretly, and avoid treatment in all ways. Thus, such severe manifestations of anorexia are commonly treated by forced feeding via nasogastric tubes upon a competent psychiatrist’s diagnosis of the patient’s psychological incompetence.

Other treatment methods include psychotherapy and family therapy to identify the underlying psychological causes for food refusal and change the false perceptions and prejudices of patients. Kale (2020) found CBP to be effective with young female anorexics, with 78% of the surveyed sample reporting significant improvements in body image perceptions and weight regain. Thus, psychotherapeutic methods are popular in anorexia treatment as they allow dealing with underlying psychological problems of patients and correct their beliefs about body image in the long run.

As the provided evidence suggests, anorexia nervosa is a severe clinical problem that millions of patients face worldwide. With no clear causes and specific clinical guidelines for its treatment, anorexia remains a pressing challenge for medical professionals and patients. Case-by-case management of anorexia cases is suggested, while a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments suggests the greatest efficiency thus far.

More Helpful Tips & Tricks

Tasked with an anorexia essay? Here are some valuable tips to follow to get an outstanding grade for this assignment:

• The underlying causes of this disorder are still unclear. So, you can surprise your tutor by presenting an in-depth analysis of the existing theories about the origin of anorexia.
• Treatments for anorexia differ, ranging from CBT to pharmacological care. You can compose in-depth research about the clinical evidence of each treatment modality’s effectiveness for various population groups.
• The psychological component of anorexia is powerful. An excellent paper can result from research on the psychological triggers and accompanying psychological disorders among anorexic individuals.

Here’s How a Professional Writer Can Help You

Still unsure how to compose an anorexia essay that will win you a high grade? Having little time to think over the subject thoroughly and develop workable arguments? Lacking a couple of free hours to attend the library and find the relevant, credible evidence to support your points? No problem, as our experts can do it for you.

Contact us today to get a perfectly written and well-proofread paper about eating disorders. We’ll surely impress your supervisor with original ideas and credible evidence. In this way, you’re sure to save crucial time for other academic priorities and avoid getting an F for a failed deadline.

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113 Anorexia Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Title: 113 Anorexia Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Introduction

Anorexia nervosa, commonly known as anorexia, is a complex psychological disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Writing an essay on this topic requires deep understanding and knowledge about the various aspects of anorexia. To help students and researchers, this article presents 113 anorexia essay topic ideas and provides examples to inspire and guide your writing process.

The role of media in promoting unrealistic body standards and its impact on the prevalence of anorexia. Example: Analyzing the influence of fashion magazines on body image dissatisfaction and its correlation with anorexia among young women.

A comprehensive overview of the psychological and emotional factors contributing to the development of anorexia. Example: Investigating the relationship between perfectionism, low self-esteem, and anorexia in adolescents.

The physiological consequences of anorexia and its long-term effects on the body. Example: Studying the impact of severe malnutrition and starvation on the body's organs and systems in individuals with anorexia.

The role of genetics in predisposing individuals to anorexia. Example: Examining the hereditary factors associated with an increased risk of developing anorexia in families.

The impact of cultural factors on the prevalence of anorexia in different societies. Example: Comparing the prevalence of anorexia among Western and Eastern cultures and exploring the cultural factors influencing body image ideals.

The effectiveness of various treatment approaches for anorexia, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and family-based therapy. Example: Evaluating the success rates of different therapeutic interventions in the recovery of individuals with anorexia.

Exploring the connection between anorexia and other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Example: Investigating the comorbidity of anorexia and anxiety disorders and the impact on treatment outcomes.

The portrayal of anorexia in popular culture and its implications. Example: Analyzing how movies and TV shows depict anorexia and discussing the potential effects on public perception and understanding of the disorder.

The prevalence of male anorexia and its unique challenges. Example: Examining the cultural and societal factors contributing to the underdiagnosis of anorexia in males.

The influence of social media on body image dissatisfaction and the development of anorexia. Example: Investigating the impact of Instagram influencers and online communities on body image ideals and disordered eating behaviors.

Anorexia is a multifaceted disorder that requires comprehensive research and understanding to address its complexities effectively. The suggested essay topic ideas provided above offer a diverse range of avenues to explore within the subject of anorexia. Remember to choose a topic that aligns with your interests and allows for in-depth analysis. By delving into these topics and using the examples as inspiration, you can contribute to the understanding and awareness of anorexia, ultimately aiding in the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies.

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Eating Disorders

A speech about eating disorders every high school student should hear.

After being diagnosed with anorexia nervosa back in June 2016, we were asked to make speeches in English about something that was important to us. So here’s mine: A plea for education on the deadliness of eating disorders in secondary schools.

Eating disorders are not “glamorous.” They’re deadly. You can thank today’s society for that. In today’s society, you don’t fit in unless you’re pretty, and in order to be pretty, we believe we need to be skinny. That’s the common stereotype anyway.

This scares the younger audience, as a generation that is more focused on fitting in with social groups and being popular. Words that promote messages of skinniness that come from celebrities and public figures are more threatening, and sometimes, the pressure of being desirable can push people to eating disorders.

You see, if we had more education concerning the rise of eating disorders here in school, then that stereotype wouldn’t exist.

Now, eating disorders may not seem like a big deal to any of you, but let me tell you a little more:

Many people believe it’s a choice, a phase, an act for attention or something people can just drop when they’re skinny enough, but it’s not. When you have an eating disorder, you’re never skinny enough. Skinny enough doesn’t exist. It doesn’t exist until it kills you.

That’s what an eating disorder is. It’s an illness, a poison, a murderer. It isn’t a choice. It’s a pressure forced upon you when you look in the mirror, in a magazine, on the TV and think you’re not good enough, not pretty enough or not skinny enough. It’s a secret you can’t bear to share, but wish someone would find out about.

An eating disorder is when your mind tells you you’re a pig when you’re brave enough to eat a sandwich. It tells you you’re not getting enough exercise when you’re on the ground and unable to continue. It tells you to go and throw up what you’ve just eaten before it ruins all the hard work you’ve done.

An eating disorder is a curse, and it’s out to kill you.

Without introducing education on this topic into school curriculum, the rising epidemic of eating disorders is only going to get worse. If all students at secondary schools knew about the warning signs, if they knew about the danger and how to change the stigma surrounding mental health and their own thoughts about themselves, then maybe the horror of an eating disorder could be curbed in some cases.

There are too many supposed stereotypes that come latched to the term “eating disorder.” I mean, only first world, white, teenage girls get eating disorders, right? Boys can’t get an eating disorder can they?

No! Eating disorders don’t discriminate. Eating disorders are for anyone, black, white, gay, straight, boy, girl. Eating disorders are for anyone. This is something we need to be aware of.

As I said, it’s a secret you can’t bear to share but wish someone would find out about. You can’t tell anyone because you’ll ruin all your hard work. You’ll ruin your relationships with people. You’ll get sectioned. All the consequences scare you.

So you keep quiet. You don’t say a word. You struggle silently as no one notice. You fade away. No one notices until one day you don’t exist at all anymore.

The biggest risk you run by telling someone are the stereotypes. The other day I heard someone talking about someone else with a mental health issue. They said, “They’re a freak.” If we had access to education on the topic of mental health, then stuff like that wouldn’t get said. It’s things like this that cause people to keep quiet when they have mental health problems.

Maybe if people were taught not to make assumptions about people with mental illness, then the people who struggle with those mental illnesses would come forward and not have to be afraid to hear comments such as:

“But you’re not skinny.”

“But you eat all the time.”

“But you don’t look anorexic.”

“But you don’t puke your food up.”

“But you don’t… ”

There’s always a, “but you don’t…” when it comes to mental health.

What people fail to see is that it is an invisible illness. It’s mental.  There’s no physical look to eating disorders until it begins to take a physical toll on a person, such as when they’re underweight or when they lose a lot of weight.

This brings me onto another point actually: expectations. Let me give you a few examples: Whispering something behind someone’s back about their weight or even their appearance, telling someone to their face how you feel about them or even calling someone a nasty name in the heat of an argument. The person who had negative things spoken to them will constantly have those expectations embedded inside their mind, whether it be that they need to be skinnier, smarter or more beautiful, those thoughts are there. They’re there to stay.

We really need more awareness surrounding these issues in schools today. I’m sure you’ll agree this needs to be put on the school syllabus, not just to inform but also to save lives.

I’d like to finish by quoting Anastasia Amour in saying, “Eating disorders are deadly and the silence around them even more so.”

 If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.

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I've read articles from The Mighty a lot before, and decided to make an account. I'm fighting for recovery from anorexia nervosa, and I'll take any ammo I can get!

A Personal Narrative: My Eating Disorder Found Hope in Recovery

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Eating Disorders are a distorted perception of your body, one often caused by the unreasonable expectations women feel by society. Each image of a slender tall model seen on an advertisement impacts you. Social media influencers of beautiful women and the comments made by their followers impact you. In the back of your brain these cultural beauty standards make you question your self-worth. Am I good enough? Why don’t I look like that? These can slowly root and distort your concept of a perfect body, till it’s firmly a belief accepted and unquestioned, by you. Most women at some point feel like their body isn’t good enough. 

The contemporary disorder that I am focusing is Anorexia Nervosa. Anorexia Nervosa is starving yourself. It is a weight loss goal that when surpassed still continues. It is a need for control that slowly feeds on any part of who you were before it. These disorders become your identity, your desire, your passion. As it grows stronger you begin to hide behind it, isolating you from anyone who might ask if you need help. Ultimately leading the disorder as your only companion. 

Anorexia became mine. 

Although I had never been jealous of my best friends’ looks, I had secretly wished I was as small as her. When we ate junk food I felt resentment in the back of my mind, that I would gain weight, while she would remain the same. None the less, I was a 14-year-old girl, and my confidence wore thick. I was more than comfortable with my body, and how I looked, and yet before I knew it, in what felt like a single moment, I had forgotten was it was like to love myself.

I began to slowly walk down the staircase towards the living room where my mom was sitting watching tv on the couch with our golden retriever. She could tell I wanted something, which only made my tone less confident. Just say it, just say it, repeated in my head as I looked at her with blank stares.

I was able to mumble a few words, explaining that volleyball season made me want to eat more, and since it was over it had been hard for me to stop, I felt hungry all the time. My mother continued to look at me waiting to see what my drawn-out reasoning’s were about. I looked at the ground as I asked for diet pills shamefully. She reacted calmly, only wanting to know why diet and exercise wasn’t the best option. Inside I felt the confidence seep back into my bones and looked up at her explaining that it was only for me to get my cravings under control, and after a week or two I probably wouldn’t even need them. We went back and forth for a while until she agreed to at least go to the store and see what was available.

That night my mom came to my room and pulled out a bottle from a grocery bag and told to me they were only to help suppress my appetite. She told me to take them twice a day, for a couple weeks until I had it under control. I remained calm, but inside I felt powerful, like the world hadn’t truly seen what I was capable of yet.

So much so, I couldn’t sleep. I felt this intense urge to begin my diet immediately. I grabbed my computer and googled weight loss exercises, and quietly slipped out of my bed and started to do abs on my floor. I looked in the mirror. I wanted to remember exactly how I looked in this moment. I pictured myself five pounds lighter and started to smile.

The next morning, I woke up, rushed downstairs, grabbed my first diet pill and took it. I waited anxiously for 30 minutes, then grabbed my cereal. I couldn’t believe it; I had barely touched my bowl. After a few bites and I felt like throwing up. Usually, I was on my second helping. I grabbed the barely eaten bowl of special k chocolate delight and poured it down the sink. As I walked away an incredible rush of confidence flooded my body. I knew that I looked the same. I knew that I hadn’t lost any weight, yet it felt as if everything had already changed. It was like nothing I had ever experienced.

After a few weeks, I had shed off at least five pounds. I stood in my room, looking at myself in jeans that once struggled to get up to my waist and button now slip on, with a slightly loose waistline. Adrenaline swooped over my body with gratification filling every inch. I grabbed all my jeans from my closest. Each pair fit better than the last. I couldn’t get enough. I Imagined what the jeans would look like after another five pounds gone.

It was my little cousin’s birthday, and we were going out to eat for pizza. I begged my mom the night before to let me skip, but she said I had to go. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to see my family, because I did, but going to a pizza place felt like I was asking myself to gain weight.

I asked my mom to back me up if anyone asked if I wanted more than a salad, because I was still on my diet. It was the first time I hid my true feelings. It wasn’t just the desire to not eat pizza I was worried about; I was terrified to. I knew this was not a diet, because I had no intention of stopping at my goal weight, in fact it wasn’t just about the weight anymore. I was hooked on the control it gave me.

I began to feel anxious, praying nobody would say I looked good or skinny. I couldn’t have anyone asking questions that might lead to suspicion. Plus, it wasn’t their business, my eating disorder was personal, they weren’t allowed to have any part of it. Honestly, I had only lost seven pounds, which wasn’t much anyways. I felt ridiculous even worrying.

The salad bar had tones of options, I grabbed a bowl and filled it with lettuce to fill me up. I added a pinch of cheese and a few croutons. I decided to add a couple peanuts on top so the protein would help curb my appetite. I was barely taking my pills. My body got used to me eating so little it didn’t need them anymore. Which was great, because I could tell my mom I stopped using them.

As we ate, I looked around and felt sorry for them. If only they knew the intoxicating pleasure of refusing food. I was the lucky one, because I was able to see the gift of control while other people stuffed their faces with pizza. I knew they would never be as happy as me. How could they when they had no ability to stop eating whatever they wanted knowing the consequences.

I always spent a weekend during Christmas season at my grandma’s house with the rest of my family. The fear of family dinner had worsened since the birthday party, it now outweighed my desire to socialize. It was almost as if I felt a tattoo saying, I have an eating disorder but don’t want anyone to ask me about it, would somehow appear on my face the moment I arrived.

I instantly could feel the sensation of anxiety creep at every cell in my body as I entered the door. I was on constant look out to remain aware of everyone’s consumption and whether mine would stand out.

The night of Christmas dinner was the final stretch. After three long days of avoiding my family shoving Christmas cookies down my throat and asking me if I had enough to eat every 20 minutes, I was exhausted. As I helped myself to a dinner proportion of my acceptance, I felt every eyeball on me, I repeated in my head, it’s the last roadblock, then no more uncomfortable social interaction and back to focusing on my weight loss.

I felt like a criminal by not overindulging myself while everyone else did. I never realized how much food is around, it was like I couldn’t do anything without people wanting to gather around and stuff their faces in the highest calorie food they can find.

I had worked pretty hard to lose more weight before this cotillion dance, where all the 9th graders in school got together to learn dances. I bought a black dress with one strap, and dangle earrings to match. I wasn’t much for high heels but after seeing my legs look slimmer, I was more than convinced it was the right choice. My Mom helped me curl my hair, and for once in my life it actually stayed curled. I looked great and I felt even better. After my weekly self-weigh in I discovered I was down to 105. It wasn’t exactly my goal weight, but I had to give myself credit, I was two pounds away from losing 25 total since September. I can’t believe I ever let myself weigh that much; it was disgusting.

My mom took me to my friend’s where we started to take pictures, a lot of pictures. I was getting tired. I was happy my mom was there; I honestly didn’t want her to leave. Apart of me didn’t want to stay the night anymore, I liked being at home, playing games with my mom. It was the best way to make sure I never ate my food earlier then the set time. Plus, now that I was counting calories, it was harder to spend the night places.

Later at our sleepover I was lying in bed with my friend trying to sleep when my stomach started to growl. Luckily, she had already fallen asleep. I looked through my bag on the floor next to me and grabbed some peppermint gum to suppress my appetite. I felt homesick, why did I stay, I couldn’t wait for this nightmare to end. I never slept over at friends after that.

I was 101 pounds now and didn’t see myself ever stopping.

I was completely alone. Isolated by my own self destruction, I started to feel myself missing my old life. I wanted out, but if I leave who will be? A world where I wake up and eat whatever I want for breakfast? One where I no longer say no to sleepovers with my friends, not that we talk much anymore. Was it worth it? Losing every sense of who I once was, I had forgotten that guys even liked me yet my desire for flirting was depleted. My days were filled with fake surfaced level conversations with people that I wasn’t close with, because I didn’t have the energy to fake a smile for the friends, I used to have deep conversations and eat frozen blueberries out of giant container with. They just wouldn’t get it, and they never even asked. It felt like it was easier for everyone to pretend nothing had changed even as we continued to grow further apart. Each day I waited till I could go home and see my mom. The only one who did listen for hours about the same calories and the same dieting thoughts that continued to circle in my head 24/7. She did so with no complaint or judgement, her patience and ability to show complete strength amazed me, but she cried in the garage behind the closed doors of her car, because she knew I was lost, and felt no desire to change. I was okay with sacrificing friendships because losing weight gave me a high better than any closeness with a person. Except my mom.

My mom told me it was time to get help. I was fragile, the bones on my ribs felt like they would crumble with one touch. My mind was checked out, and I was a shell of a human. I had not cried in months, and conversations with anyone felt like a task, I just wanted to be alone. I really missed myself, the one who didn’t eat grapes at 11pm and look at Instagram judging girls who I once thought were skinny because I had passed their body weight long ago.

Even after rehab, I was not recovered, but I knew I could no longer go back to the girl who ate 400 calories a day. It took year for me to fully let it go. Years went by till I was able to embrace myself for who I am. It took that long to no longer look in a mirror only to see what needed to be fixed. It took that many years for me to not feel shame eating in front of people. Yet the part most don’t get is this disease is yours to carry for life. If you are stressed you want to fall back, if you get your heart broken, it screams at you to reunite itself and it would be so easy.

Present Day

I no longer feel afraid of the part my anorexia had in my life.

I no longer want to go back to a place of loneliness and isolated.

It gives me the strength to listen and be involved with organizations that allow me to be a beacon of hope for someone who might be feeling alone, just like I was. It's essential I use my experience to empower young individuals to be mindful of their self-care and to speak up when they begin to struggle.

It is nothing to be ashamed of and I want those who are struggling right this moment to know that you are not alone, and we are here to help you get the information and help you deserve.

It’s essential that we as individuals choose to let go of comparing ourselves to unrealistic body images that have been distorted and falsely claimed as real.

Not allowing yourself to see the beauty that is internal is depriving yourself of living the life that is your own.

Our bodies hold the beauty inside of us, not the other way around.

I was lucky to have someone on my team.

My mother was my small dim light that kept me alive when I no longer had the strength to feel what happiness was, and because of that I have felt unconditional love, and it gave me the power to love myself unconditionally. There is not a single thing that I could do to repay the humble role she kindly took on during that time, but what I can do is make an impact to change our perception on eating disorders.

Thanks to my anorexia hidden and dim inside me is now my powerful drive for prevention of this disease.

The more we stand in this power to stop this corrupted, deceitful lie from industries and corporations who see eating disorders as their price to pay for all the money, entertainment and jobs they provide.

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Anorexia Nervosa

Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that occurs when a person refuses to eat an adequate amount of food or is unable to maintain a minimally healthy weight for their height—a body mass index below 18.5. Individuals with anorexia often have a distorted body image . Those with anorexia view themselves as fat or bulky in certain areas and have an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.

In service of their distorted belief, they typically engage in severely restricting food intake. What they consume, how much, and under what conditions becomes a preoccupation and is often obsessive in nature. They may avoid what they perceive as high-caloric food and meals, picking out a few foods and eating those in minuscule quantities, or they may carefully weigh and portion any food. People with anorexia may repeatedly check their body weight and engage in techniques to control their weight, such as intense and compulsive exercise or abuse of laxatives, enemas, and diuretics. Girls with anorexia often experience a delayed onset of their first menstrual period, and most women with anorexia experience amenorrhea, or absence of menstrual periods, as fertility is highly dependent on body weight in females.

Anorexia nervosa is one of the three major types of feeding and eating disorders; the others are bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Eating disorders frequently co-occur with other psychiatric disorders, such as depression , substance abuse , anxiety disorders, and borderline personality disorder . In addition, people who suffer from eating disorders can experience a wide range of physical health complications, such as loss of bone mineral density, anemia, heart conditions, and kidney failure, which can, in some cases, lead to death. Anorexia nervosa is the most lethal mental health disorder.

The DSM-5 classifies symptoms of anorexia nervosa as follows:

• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for one's age and height
• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though one is underweight
• Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced
• Undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation
• Denial of the seriousness of low body weight.

Anorexia nervosa involves starving the body; individuals with the condition tend to suffer the physical effects of malnutrition. While emaciation may be the most obvious sign, they may also experience cold intolerance, lethargy, abdominal pain, constipation, low heart rate, and low blood pressure, among other medical complications.

In the United States, an estimated 0.9 percent of females and 0.3 percent of males suffer from anorexia nervosa in their lifetime. The condition is most prevalent among 15- to 19-year-old girls.

There are two main types of anorexia nervosa:

Restricting Type Anorexia Nervosa occurs when the primary method of weight loss involves dieting, fasting, and excessive exercising—and not engaging in any bingeing or purging behaviors for at least a three-month period.

Binge Eating/Purging Type Anorexia Nervosa occurs when the individual has engaged in episodes of bingeing or purging behavior, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.

Yes, people can have atypical anorexia nervosa, which involves all of the same symptoms as classic anorexia except that the person’s body mass index doesn’t fall below 18.5 and they are not considered underweight or emaciated. They are still in danger of developing severe and even life-threatening health problems, however, and their eating disorder should be treated seriously and promptly.

Athletes are at a high risk of developing an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa in order to be competitive in their sport. Parents, coaches, and other adults can be alert for warning signs , such as unusual or secretive eating habits, a preoccupation with being fat, evidence of purging (e.g., sores on the mouth or tongue caused by frequent vomiting), severe restriction of calories, food avoidance, irritability, and fatigue.

Anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders are commonly found in cultures and settings where thinness is seen as highly desirable. This is particularly the case in post-industrialized, high-income countries where fashion trends, sales campaigns, and media often present thinness as a desirable or typical trait. Some activities and professions, such as modeling and athletics, may promote a goal of unusual leanness (more than is required for health) in order to do well.

The onset of an eating disorder can also be associated with a stressful life event. For young adults, leaving home for college can be such an event. For older adults, other life transitions—returning to work after raising a family, finding a new job, separation or divorce —can precipitate symptoms of an eating disorder.

Temperamental factors, such as perfectionism and obsessional traits in childhood , are also associated with eating disorders.

Due to the increased prevalence of anorexia among first-degree relatives of those with the disorder, as well as in identical twins (relative to fraternal twins), biology and heredity seem to play an important role in risk of developing the disorder.

Appetite is, of course, a basic instrument of survival. It should come as no surprise that the basic biology of appetite is extraordinarily complex, regulated by many mechanisms affecting many body systems. Science is still plumbing all the effects of its alteration by prolonged overeating, on the one hand, and starvation, on the other. One hope is that such research will lead to new pharmacologic treatments for eating disorders. Scientists suspect that multiple genes may interact with environmental and other factors to influence the risk of developing these illnesses.

Anorexia nervosa is not all about food. Key risk factors for developing anorexia nervosa may include low self-esteem ; poor relationships with one’s parents; physical, verbal, or emotional abuse ; trauma ; substance abuse ; a perfectionistic or obsessive personality ; and genetics , among others.

Research suggests that people who use social media especially frequently are more likely than others to develop an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa. The danger is particularly high for adolescents, both girls and boys. Parents who are aware of the connection between social media use and eating disorders can be alert to the risk,  recognize when it might be affecting their child, and get help as soon as possible.

If left untreated, anorexia may lead to osteoporosis, cardiac problems, infertility , depression , relationship difficulties, suicide , and even death from medical complications. Anorexia carries the highest death rate of any psychiatric condition.

Because of their complexity, eating disorders require a comprehensive treatment plan involving medical care and monitoring, psychosocial interventions, nutritional counseling, and, when appropriate, medication management . Counseling and therapy, coupled with medical attention to health and nutritional needs are important aspects of treatment. The sooner the disorder is identified and diagnosed, the better the chances for treatment and successful outcomes.

Treatment of anorexia involves three main goals :

• Restoring weight lost as a result of severe dieting and purging
• Treating psychological disturbances associated with body image distortions
• Achieving either long-term remission and rehabilitation or full recovery.

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When deprived of the essential nutrients it needs, the human body can become malnourished no matter what the number on the scale says. As a result, when recovering from anorexia nervosa, patients need to embrace healthy nutrition and to gain weight, which can be an emotionally taxing process. Under the supervision of doctors and nutritionists, people in recovery from anorexia learn to consume enough calories to gain weight over the course of months or even years until they reach a healthy set point for their body. In the process, their blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature gradually return to normal levels. Importantly, females resume their menses (if applicable). In the course of recovery, mood of patients improves, they develop a healthier relationship with food, and they begin enjoying socializing and other activities.

Therapy is typically necessary to uncover factors underlying fears about eating and gaining weight as well to help individuals work through issues related to body image, self-esteem, control, and perfectionism. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered an effective form of therapy for eating disorders. It is time-limited and focused in nature, helping individuals to see the links between their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. CBT also involves building a tolerance for the discomfort and distress surrounding food that is common to anorexia patients. Such therapy helps to normalize eating patterns and encourage behaviors that support gaining healthy weight. CBT can shed light on dysfunctional thought patterns and negative attitudes and beliefs about food and eating that promote body shame and poor esteem. 

Family therapy is also considered to be an effective way to treat anorexia nervosa as well as other eating disorders. The "Maudsley Method" is a form of family therapy in which parents become active agents supporting their child’s recovery. Developed at the Maudsley Hospital in London in 1985, the approach emphasizes that parents be calm, supportive, and consistent in the feeding of the child or adolescent with eating disordered behavior.

The role of medications in treating eating disorders is limited. Antidepressants or other psychiatric medications may be warranted to treat co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety . When a person's eating disorder is severe enough to be life-threatening or causes severe psychological or behavioral problems, inpatient or residential treatment may be recommended.

Not yet. There are some drugs normally prescribed for other conditions—such as the antipsychotic agents olanzapine and aripiprazole  and the cannabinoid dronabinol, used to treat the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy—that may be used off-label to promote weight gain. However, they frequently meet with resistance from patients, whose greatest fear is putting on weight and “being fat.” The drugs typically work by increasing hunger signals in the body and encouraging patients to eat more; however, they don’t always work with  anorexia patients, who are used to feeling and ignoring hunger signals.

When an individual starves their body, their metabolism slows down in response; it is an essential biological defense mechanism meant to conserve energy and preserve life. In most cases, as a person increases their caloric intake, a process called "refeeding," their metabolism starts to speed up in response. Recovering from anorexia is difficult but possible , particularly with the support of a trained therapist and nutritional counseling.

Individuals who develop anorexia nervosa tend to have high levels of harm-avoidance and are prone to worrying. Learning healthy ways to cope with stress can be valuable. Anorexia involves rigid control, so it can be helpful to encourage psychological flexibility and spontaneity during treatment. Greater self-directedness can help people examine the underlying causes of their eating disorder and take an active role in planning solutions. 

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Anorexia - List of Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body shape. Essays on anorexia could delve into the prevalence, causes, and psychological, social, and physical impacts of this eating disorder. Discussions might also cover the treatments, the portrayal of body image in media, and the societal pressures contributing to anorexia. Analyzing the support systems, recovery narratives, and the ongoing research can provide a holistic understanding of anorexia nervosa and its profound impact on individuals and society. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Anorexia you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Effects of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is one of the most commonly known eating disorder. It can occur in women and men including adults, kids, and teenagers. Anorexia is a ""mental disorder that is caused by the unsound terror of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa is an ""emotional disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing food, commonly known as anorexia. Experts believe anorexia is caused by ""personality, genetics, environment, biochemistry, and overall emotional health. There are many horrific effects of anorexia […]

Anorexia Nervosa is a very Serious Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa is classified as an eating disorder and a disease where individuals go through extreme measures to lose weight such as excessive workouts or extreme food diets in hopes to change their perspective on themselves. Individuals that embody this disease have a distorted body image of oneself and will still feel fat even after taking drastic measures to lose weight. These individuals think poorly and see themselves as overweight even if the individual is underweight. This has a lot […]

Eating Disorder is a Growing Problem in Modern Society

There are many misconceptions about eating disorders. One that stuck out to me is that people believe that eating disorders are a choice. Eating disorders arise from part of a person's genetic makeup and due to environmental factors. ( 'Eating Disorder Myths.') Their are many studies out their that help prove that eating disorders are often influenced by a person’s genes. Twin studies are useful in proving that eating disorders can be a family affair. ('Understanding Eating Disorders, Anorexia, Bulimia, […]

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Cause and Effect of Anorexia

The first time i ever heard about anorexia was from Degrassi: Next Generation. A character named Emma was trying to lose weight so she would barely eat and sometimes would make herself throw up. Being young I never really understood Anorexia, and the causes and how it can affect your body. According to experts, Anorexia Nervosa occurs in about 1 in 100 to 200 young women. Anorexia is an eating disorder that is also known as self starvation. It can […]

The Real Skinny on Anorexia a Merciless Battle with the Mirror

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) (2018), at least 30,000,000 people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder at any given time in the United States. Of those 30,000,000, at least one person dies every 62 minutes as a direct result of their disorder. Most often, eating disorders affect women between the ages of 12 and 35. Compared to all other mental illnesses, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate (National […]

The Thin Documentary Analysis: Eating Disorder

Thin documentary is a film that follows four women at the Renfrew facility in Florida who are undergoing treatment for eating disorders. These women include Polly, Shelly, Brittany, and Alisa who range from 15 to 30 years old. The film follows them as they interact with their therapists, nurses, staff, other patients and with one another. Indeed, the documentary exploration regarding the struggles these anorexic women face in this institution in their attempt to improve and live a positive life. […]

Anorexia Nervosa: Literature Review

Anorexia nervosa, or better known as anorexia, is an eating disorder with which countless women and men battle every day, with worldwide prevalence. Anorexia is considered to be a psychiatric illness, which has long term effects on those who suffer from it, both psychologically and physically. The etiology of anorexia is multifactorial with genetic, biological, environmental, psychological and sociocultural influences. There are many different models of intervention to treat anorexia, which are each met with different measures of success. Social […]

Anorexia Nervosa: Serious Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa is a very serious eating disorder that many people suffer from. People with Anorexia Nervosa go days without eating. People who suffer from Anorexia Nervosa have an intense fear of gaining weight. “The core psychological feature of anorexia nervosa is extreme overation of shape and weight”(“Anorexia”1). Even the people who suffer from Anorexia are very thin they still fear gaining weight. ¨The word ¨Anorexia¨ literally means ¨loss of appetite¨ (Watson, 7). Anorexia Nervosa is a coping mechanism for […]

Is there too Much Pressure on Females to have Perfect Bodies?

Have you ever felt insecure? It is very common for women in this society to feel that way.  It’s like everywhere you look there is pressure to look better or be skinny. Everything you do is being judged. Women are portrayed as fragile and delicate, but that is not always the case. Women are thriving in this generation and breaking down barriers of the norm. A big problem in society today that makes women feel insecure is advertising. Certain clothin […]

Anorexia: a Mental Disorder

Mental disorders are something that can be found in any human. One of the deadliest mental illnesses is anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is defined as a serious eating disorder that is characterized primarily by a pathological fear of weight gain leading to faulty eating patterns, malnutrition, and usually excessive weight loss. It has a higher mortality rate than any other mental illness. This disease affects people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientation, and ethnicities. One in 200 American women […]

Anorexia: Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors

The deadliest psychological disorder that has been studied is Anorexia Nervosa. This illness dates back to St. Catherine of Sienna in the 13th century and was originally considered a "wasting" disease. Mid-20th-century research by Hilde Bruch brought awareness to eating disorders, especially Anorexia Nervosa. Anorexia is rare but has the highest mortality rate of all psychological disorders and has high comorbidity with several other disorders like depression and anxiety. This disorder distorts how patients view their appearance, leading them to […]

Impact Media on Eating Disorders

With all of our current understanding so far we can see how much of an impact media has on triggering eating disorders. Research has only just begun to analyze the relationship between social media outlets such as facebook, body image and symptoms of eating disorders. Facebook is available at the fingertips of most adolescents today which allows them easy access to seek social comparison and negative feedback. Therefore it is an essential area to examine in relation to eating disordered […]

Anorexia and Bulimia

Introduction Anorexia and Bulimia are server disorders that is mostly found in girls. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorders, with an estimated 56 times more likely to commit suicide then those who do not suffer from anorexia (Tabitha Farrar, 2014). Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of anorexia is very important, if recognized early treatment can be started quickly to better help these individuals sooner. Warning Signs Anorexia has many warning signs some of […]

Anorexia Nervosa: Common, Widespread Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa is a very common, widespread eating disorder that affects individuals psychologically, emotionally, and physically. Those suffering from this eating disorder are commonly suffering from extremely low self-esteem and body weight. Individuals struggling with Anorexia typically fear to gain weight and are always conscious of what they are eating. They perceive their body as a distorted image, instead of viewing reality. Anorexia victims fear their body image as disproportional to their height and weight. An introduction to this disorder […]

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia is described by a distorted body figure, with a fear of being overweight or may some call it obese. Anorexia is commonly associated with women. Many signs of anorexia include low blood pressure problems, low electrolyte levels and being cold. Many tend to become binge eaters and have very bad behavior issues. Also people with anorexia tend to be excessive exercisers with lots of energy, have urges to feel unwanted and or left out. How does one find out […]

Anorexia Journal Article

Reading the journal article, it was apparent that the authors main purpose of this journal is the finding of a link between weight overestimation and disordered eating behaviors among normal weight women (Conley &Boardmen,2007).The authors go on further explaining how there is little to no research done with associating normal weight women and their possibility with acquiring an eating disorder because of how they might overestimate their weight and might be at risk of developing anorexia nervosa. The key concepts […]

Types of Eating Disorders and Treatments

Feeding and eating disorder affects more than 13% of men and woman coming from western countries (Reichenberg & Seligman, 2016). Out of that portion of the population, only about 40%-60% of those affected are said to be in remission from their disorder (Reichenberg & Seligman, 2016). There are many factors that come into play that contribute to the onset of such disorders including, family history, peer dieting, concepts of an ideal body, and some cultural considerations (Reichenberg & Seligman, 2016). […]

Negative Consequences of the Anorexia Fashion Research Argument Project

While Fashion Week is around the corner, the featured ""double zero sized models begin to prepare for the event by depriving themselves of all things indulgent to be as thin as possible. Fashion Week is an event where professionals from the fashion industry come together (usually in New York) twice a year to promote and display their latest creations of the season in a runway fashion show to buyers and the media. Models purge themselves in order to achieve this […]

Experience of Women who have Survived Anorexia

Anorexia is most commonly known as a fear of food and fear of getting fat. It usually begins in girls and women when they are young, often during adolescence or early adulthood. Some women I've mentioned in my essay will testify to their experience with anorexia. In my research, I found that much of adolescent and young adult anorexia can be attributed to social media and peer pressure at school. Social media can make women feel inadequate within just thirty […]

Anorexia is Primarily a Disease of the Nervous System

Eating disorder is a chronic clinical mental disorder that disrupts the psychological and social development of young people. Throughout research, it has been proven that face-to-face therapy is a better treatment than group treatments. Family-based treatment is a very effective treatment for teenagers who have anorexia. For family-based treatments, it has been proven that it is better for the parents to watch what their children are eating instead of having more multi-family settings. Another approach that has been studied is […]

Eating Disorders Anorexia

"Abraham, Suzanne, and Derek Llewellyn-Jones. ""Bulimia Nervosa.""Palla, Barbara, and Iris F. Litt. ""Medical Complications Of Eating DisordersIn Adolescents."" Medical Complications occur with eating disorders take place inanyones life. Adolescents being at such a young age if medical complications occur can affect them when they are older as well. For example, bulimia nervosa can mess with a young women's menstrual cycle and when they get older, they might not be able to have kids. This article will help when informing adolescents […]

Relationship between Depressive Disorder and Eating Disorder

Abstract Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder characterized by intense and persistent feelings of melancholy and disinterest in regular activities for an extended period of time. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a type of eating disorder categorized by significant weight loss, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of how one views their body shape or weight. These disorders frequently co occur with one another, in fact, according to a study posted on the National Eating […]

Anorexia Nervosa Eating Disorder

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder, characterized by the refusal of an emaciated individual to maintain a normal body weight (CITATION ENCYCLOPEDIA). More specifically, its diagnosis is based on three distinct criteria presented by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5): First, consistent restriction of energy consumption resulting in a relatively low body weight must occur. Second, there is an irrational fear of weight gain. Finally, there is […]

Influences that Can Cause Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is a psychological eating disorder that is the fear of gaining weight. People that suffer from anorexia eat very little food, which can then lead to starvation, or even death. There are many things that can influence anorexia, such as bullying, social media, stress, traumatic life events, and even low self-esteem. These things don't cause anorexia, but they are some of the strong contributing factors. Bullying Most people start to get bullied about their weight and size at […]

Anorexia Nervosa: Hunger and Satiety

Anorexia Nervosa is defined as a lack of appetite. It is a state of mind that makes the person affected believe that they are too fat and must lose as much weight as possible. ""People with anorexia generally restrict the number of calories, and the types of food they eat. Some people with the disorder also exercise compulsively, purge via vomiting and laxatives, and/or binge eat. (www.nationaleatingdisorders.org). It is a heart-breaking disorder and has affected millions of people every year […]

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Treatment for Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa

Abstract The purpose of this study was to help treat patients with the illnesses of anorexia and bulimia nervosa and report their remission and relapse rates with a method of treatment in a randomized controlled trial. These eating disorders are major health problems that occur mostly in young women. Anorexia is when a person eats only small amounts of food while losing body weight, whereas bulimia is when a person eats large amounts of food and vomits immediately after to […]

Eating Disorder: Specific Model of Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Going off of these findings, Rieger et al. (2010) came up with an eating disorder-specific model of interpersonal psychotherapy. Due to the significance of social relevance in eating disorders, Rieger et al. laid out factors that played an important role in the development and maintenance of eating disorders. For example, a 2010 study of 208 patients who were diagnosed with AN or bulimia were assessed for interpersonal issues pre- and post-hospitalization. Eating pathology, symptom severity, and interpersonal patterns were examined. […]

Anorexia Nervosa: Abnormally Low Body Weight and Fear of Gaining Weight

""Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that has abnormally low body weight and fear of gaining weight. People with anorexia care about what others think of them. Society plays a key role to people who have anorexia because; they put very thin people on the cover of magazines and advertisement. This causes individuals with anorexia to feel, un-pretty, rejected, and fat. This is all based on what the media puts out to the world. (works cited: 1). ""People with anorexia […]

Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia

Introduction Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia are serious disorders among our adolescent girls. According to the eating disorder hope website Anorexia has the highest mobility rate out of all mental disorders, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms (Hamilton, 2018) so these girls can get the treatment they need. Warning Signs There are many warning signs to Anorexia and Bulimia. According to Nicole Williamson PhD at the Tampa General seminar, (May8, 2018) People with Anorexia might dress in layers, […]

The Movie Desperately Hungry Housewives Portrays the Struggles of Dieting and Anorexia

In the documentary, "Desperately Hungry Housewives," four women grapple with varying severities of dietary problems. Through a first-person perspective, they share their daily life and treatment options. These women provide a credible insight into the experience of handling dietary disorders in Britain as modern housewives. Besides showing how they managed their disorders, they also revealed the effect of these disorders on their children and how their families perceive the women themselves. Despite a lack of statistical data in the film, […]

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Anorexia Nervosa: Medical Issues Essay

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Introduction

There are different afflictions which affect millions of individuals throughout the country. Many of these afflictions are debilitating and cause problems not only for the patients but also for the significant persons near him or her. However, of these many conditions, some pose not only serious mental conditions but also grave physical problems as well.

One of these is anorexia nervosa. With regard to this, I have confronted with the question of what exactly is anorexia and how does it affect an individual, who should know about it. Moreover, what are the causes of anorexia and how it can be prevented from developing? In response to this, the writer wishes to state that the purpose of this paper is to present a brief outline of anorexia and its causes to the millions of Americans out there without knowledge about it.

To understand the cause of anorexia, the reader must understand what anorexia is. Anorexia is a eating disorder characterized by severely low body weight and distortion of body image. Despite the fact that their appearances may be severely malnourished and skeletal, anorexic clients tend to believe that they are still fat. Moreover, anorexic patients are extremely afraid of gaining weight. To avoid this, they engage themselves upon weight-losing activities such as exercise, going insofar as to purge, vomit, drink slimming pills and diuretics, and self-starve which can lead to death. It primarily affects women though ten percent are known to be men. It is very complex as to involve psychological, sociological, physiological, and neurobiological aspects of living (Lask & Bryant-Waugh, 2000).

There is no single cause of anorexia and more commonly, it is the result of numerous factors in life. One of the presumed causes is on genetics. According to recent studies, genetics play a significant role in the inheritance of genes which may contribute to the development of eating disorders among individuals (Klump et al, 2001 p. 218). In addition to this, nutritional factors are also blamed for anorexia. According to nutritionists, a deficiency in Zinc may lead to the loss of appetite in people which eventually develops into anorexia nervosa.

However, despite the findings involving genetics and nutrition, psychosocial factors are still considered as the most contributing factor to the progress of anorexia in a client. Findings suggest that people with anorexia tend to have low self-esteems and believe that they are not attractive. Moreover, the society’s notion that fat people are not beautiful is also regarded as a contributing factor to the rise in number of anorexic clients. Anorexics are commonly high-achieving people and characterizes by perfectionism and an ability to resist temptation.

As stated, societal notions of the ideal body for a woman also affect anorexics. Since researchers believe that obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression is comorbid with anorexia, the continuous pressure to gain the ideal body prompts women to become obsessed with weight loss, especially among the high achievers. Furthermore, females from well-to-do white families are the ones at high risk of developing the disorder. Aside from this, women working on jobs demanding ideal bodies such as modeling and advertising are at risk of having anorexia due to popular demands for thin models.

In conclusion, anorexia nervosa, as well as other eating disorders, is an alarming condition in people which needs intense attention and treatment. Since no prevention can be used to delay or stop the disorder, early detection should be the priority. Moreover, social norms regarding the definition of beauty should never be emphasized. Instead, healthy lifestyle should be encouraged without regard of the trends in society which, more often than not, cause low self-esteem in many, especially in children and adolescents who are at the age of rapid assimilation of ideas and notions. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa affect each and every one of us. Therefore, it is best to promote health in lieu of clichéd and often wrong beliefs regarding the ideals of beauty among men and women.

Lask, B., & Bryant-Waugh, R. (2000). Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence .Psychology Press.

Klump, K.L., Kaye, W.H., & Strober, M. (2001). The Evolving Genetic Foundations of Eating Disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America . Vol. 24, No. 2 , pp. 215-225.

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Essay Examples on Eating Disorders

What makes a good eating disorders essay topic.

When it comes to selecting a topic for your eating disorders essay, it's crucial to consider a multitude of factors that can elevate your writing to new heights. Below are some innovative suggestions on how to brainstorm and choose an essay topic that will captivate your readers:

• Brainstorm : Begin by unleashing a storm of ideas related to eating disorders. Delve into the various facets, such as causes, effects, treatment options, societal influences, and personal narratives. Ponder upon what intrigues you and what will engage your audience.
• Research : Embark on a comprehensive research journey to accumulate information and gain a profound understanding of the subject matter. This exploration will enable you to identify distinctive angles and perspectives to explore in your essay. Seek out scholarly sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.
• Cater to your audience : Reflect upon your readers and their interests to tailor your topic accordingly. Adapting your subject matter to captivate your audience will undoubtedly make your essay more engaging. Consider the age, background, and knowledge level of your readers.
• Unveil controversies : Unearth the controversies and debates within the realm of eating disorders. Opting for a topic that ignites discussion will infuse your essay with thought-provoking and impactful qualities. Delve into various viewpoints and critically analyze arguments for and against different ideas.
• Personal connection : If you possess a personal connection or experience with eating disorders, contemplate sharing your story or delving into it within your essay. This will add a unique and personal touch to your writing. However, ensure that your personal anecdotes remain relevant to the topic and effectively support your main points.

Overall, a remarkable eating disorders essay topic should be meticulously researched, thought-provoking, and relevant to your audience's interests and needs.

Popular Eating Disorders Essay Topics

Below, you will find a compilation of the finest eating disorders essay topics to consider:

• The Impact of Social Media on Eating Disorders
• The Role of Family Dynamics in the Development of Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorders in Athletes: Causes and Consequences
• The Effectiveness of Different Treatments for Eating Disorders
• Understanding the Psychological Underpinnings of Anorexia Nervosa
• Binge Eating Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
• The Relationship Between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorders in Adolescents: Early Signs and Prevention
• The Influence of Culture and Society on Eating Disorder Prevalence
• The Connection Between Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse
• The Role of Genetics in Eating Disorders
• Men and Eating Disorders: Breaking the Stigma
• The Long-Term Health Consequences of Eating Disorders
• Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes a Disorder
• The Impact of Trauma and Abuse on Eating Disorder Development

Best Eating Disorders Essay Questions

Below, you will find an array of stellar eating disorders essay questions to explore:

• How does social media contribute to the development and perpetuation of eating disorders?
• What challenges do males with eating disorders face, and how can these challenges be addressed?
• To what extent does the family environment contribute to the development of eating disorders?
• What role does diet culture play in fostering unhealthy relationships with food?
• How can different treatment approaches be tailored to address the unique needs of individuals grappling with eating disorders?

Eating Disorders Essay Prompts

Below, you will find a collection of eating disorders essay prompts that will kindle your creative fire:

• Craft a personal essay that intricately details your voyage towards recovery from an eating disorder, elucidating the lessons you learned along the way.
• Picture yourself as a parent of a teenager burdened with an eating disorder. Pen a heartfelt letter to other parents, sharing your experiences and providing valuable advice.
• Fabricate a fictional character entangled in the clutches of binge-eating disorder. Concoct a short story that explores their odyssey towards self-acceptance and recovery.
• Construct a persuasive essay that fervently argues for the integration of comprehensive education on eating disorders into school curricula.
• Immerse yourself in the role of a therapist specializing in eating disorders. Compose a reflective essay that delves into the challenges and rewards of working with individuals grappling with eating disorders.

Writing Eating Disorders Essays: FAQ

• Q : How can I effectively commence my eating disorders essay?

A : Commence your essay with a captivating introduction that ensnares the reader's attention and provides an overview of the topic. Consider starting with an intriguing statistic, a powerful quote, or a personal anecdote.

• Q : Can I incorporate personal experiences into my eating disorders essay?

A : Absolutely! Infusing your essay with personal experiences adds depth and authenticity. However, ensure that your personal anecdotes remain relevant to the topic and effectively support your main points.

• Q : How can I make my eating disorders essay engaging?

A : Utilize a variety of rhetorical devices such as metaphors, similes, and vivid descriptions to transform your essay into an engaging masterpiece. Additionally, consider incorporating real-life examples, case studies, or interviews to provide concrete evidence and make your essay relatable.

• Q : Should my essay focus solely on one specific type of eating disorder?

A : While focusing on a specific type of eating disorder can provide a narrower scope for your essay, exploring the broader theme of eating disorders as a whole can also be valuable. Strive to strike a balance between depth and breadth in your writing.

• Q : How can I conclude my eating disorders essay effectively?

A : In your conclusion, summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement. Additionally, consider leaving the reader with a thought-provoking question or a call to action, encouraging further reflection or research on the topic.

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Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits that negatively affect a person's physical and mental health.

• Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe restriction of food intake leading to extreme weight loss and malnutrition.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use to prevent weight gain. Sufferers often maintain a normal weight.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Marked by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress, but without regular use of compensatory behaviors.
• Orthorexia: An obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy, often leading to severe dietary restrictions and malnutrition. Unlike other eating disorders, the focus is on food quality rather than quantity.
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Involves limited food intake due to a lack of interest in eating, avoidance based on sensory characteristics of food, or concern about aversive consequences of eating, leading to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.
• Pica: The persistent eating of non-nutritive substances, such as dirt, clay, or paper, inappropriate to the developmental level of the individual and not part of a culturally supported or socially normative practice.
• Rumination Disorder: Involves the repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. This behavior is not due to a medical condition and can lead to nutritional deficiencies and social difficulties.
• Distorted Body Image: Individuals often see themselves as overweight or unattractive, even when underweight or at a healthy weight.
• Obsession with Food and Weight: Constant thoughts about food, calories, and weight, leading to strict eating rules and excessive exercise.
• Emotional and Psychological Factors: Associated with low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, or a need for control.
• Physical Health: Can cause severe health issues like malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, hormonal disruptions, and organ damage.
• Social Isolation: Withdrawal from social activities due to shame, guilt, and embarrassment, leading to loneliness and distress.
• Co-occurring Disorders: Often coexists with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or self-harming behaviors, requiring comprehensive treatment.
• Genetic and Biological Factors: Genetic predisposition and biological factors, like brain chemical or hormonal imbalances, can contribute to eating disorders.
• Psychological Factors: Low self-worth, perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and distorted body image perceptions play significant roles.
• Sociocultural Influences: Societal pressures, cultural norms, media portrayal of unrealistic body ideals, and peer influence increase the risk.
• Traumatic Experiences: Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can heighten vulnerability, leading to feelings of low self-worth and body shame.
• Dieting and Weight-related Practices: Restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, and weight-focused behaviors can trigger disordered eating patterns.

Treatment for eating disorders includes psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family-based therapy (FBT), to address psychological factors and improve self-esteem. Nutritional counseling with dietitians helps develop healthy eating patterns and debunks dietary myths. Medical monitoring involves regular check-ups to manage physical health. Medication may be prescribed for symptoms like depression and anxiety. Support groups and peer support offer community and empathy, providing valuable insights and encouragement from others facing similar challenges.

• As per the data provided by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), it is estimated that around 30 million individuals residing in the United States will experience an eating disorder during their lifetime.
• Research suggests that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Anorexia nervosa, in particular, has a mortality rate of around 10%, emphasizing the seriousness and potential life-threatening nature of these disorders.
• Eating disorders can affect individuals of all genders and ages, contrary to the common misconception that they only affect young women. While young women are more commonly affected, studies indicate that eating disorders are increasingly prevalent among men and can also occur in older adults and children.

Eating disorders are a critical topic because they affect millions of people worldwide, leading to severe physical and psychological consequences. Addressing eating disorders helps in understanding their complex causes and improving treatment options. Exploring eating disorders essay topics raises awareness, promotes early intervention, and encourages support for those affected, ultimately contributing to better mental health and well-being.

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. 2. Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: A meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731. 3. Brown, T. A., Keel, P. K., & Curren, A. M. (2020). Eating disorders. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual (6th ed., pp. 305-357). Guilford Press. 4. Fairburn, C. G., & Harrison, P. J. (2003). Eating disorders. The Lancet, 361(9355), 407-416. 5. Herpertz-Dahlmann, B., & Zeeck, A. (2020). Eating disorders in childhood and adolescence: Epidemiology, course, comorbidity, and outcome. In M. Maj, W. Gaebel, J. J. López-Ibor, & N. Sartorius (Eds.), Eating Disorders (Vol. 11, pp. 68-82). Wiley-Blackwell. 6. Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348-358. 7. Jacobi, C., Hayward, C., de Zwaan, M., Kraemer, H. C., & Agras, W. S. (2004). Coming to terms with risk factors for eating disorders: Application of risk terminology and suggestions for a general taxonomy. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 19-65. 8. Keski-Rahkonen, A., & Mustelin, L. (2016). Epidemiology of eating disorders in Europe: Prevalence, incidence, comorbidity, course, consequences, and risk factors. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 29(6), 340-345. 9. Smink, F. R. E., van Hoeken, D., & Hoek, H. W. (2012). Epidemiology of eating disorders: Incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. Current Psychiatry Reports, 14(4), 406-414. 10. Stice, E., Marti, C. N., & Rohde, P. (2013). Prevalence, incidence, impairment, and course of the proposed DSM-5 eating disorder diagnoses in an 8-year prospective community study of young women. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122(2), 445-457.

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Anorexia nervosa informative

Eating disorders are much more complicated than that. The food and weight-related issues are symptoms of something deeper: things like depression, loneliness, insecurity, pressure to be perfect, or feeling out of control. Things that no amount of dieting or weight loss can cure. The difference between dieting and anorexia Healthy Dieting Anorexia Healthy dieting is an attempt to control weight. Anorexia is an attempt to control your life and emotions. Your self-esteem is based on more than just weight and body image. Your self-esteem is based entirely on how much you weigh and how thin you are.

You view weight loss as a way to improve your health and appearance. You view weight loss as a way to achieve happiness. Your goal is to lose weight in a healthy way. Becoming thin is all that matters; health is not a concern. Anorexic food behavior signs and symptoms Dieting despite being thin – Following a severely restricted diet. Eating only certain low-calorie foods. Banning “bad” foods such as carbohydrates and fats. Obsession with calories, fat grams, and nutrition – Reading food labels, measuring and weighing portions, keeping a food diary, reading diet books.

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Pretending to eat or lying about eating – Hiding, playing with, or throwing away food to avoid eating. Making excuses to get out of meals (“l had a huge lunch” or “My stomach isn’t feeling good. ‘”). Preoccupation with food Constantly thinking about food. Cooking for others, collecting recipes, reading food magazines, or making meal plans while eating very little. Strange or secretive food rituals – Refusing to eat around others or in public places. Eating in rigid, ritualistic ways (e. G. Cutting food “just so”, chewing food and spitting it out, using a specific plate).

Anorexic appearance and body image signs and symptoms Dramatic weight loss – Rapid, drastic weight loss with no medical cause. Feeling fat, despite being underweight – You may feel overweight in general or just “too fat” in certain places such as the stomach, hips, or thighs. Fixation on body image – Obsessed with weight, body shape, or clothing size. Frequent weigh-ins and concern over tiny fluctuations in weight. Harshly critical of appearance ? Spending a lot of time in front of the mirror checking for flaws.

There’s always something to criticize. You’re never thin enough. Denial that you’re too thin ? You may deny that your low body weight is a robber, while trying to conceal it (drinking a lot of water before being weighed, wearing baggy or oversized clothes). Purging signs and symptoms using diet pills, laxatives, or diuretics – Abusing water pills, herbal appetite suppressants, prescription stimulants, ipecac syrup, and other drugs for weight loss. Throwing up after eating – Frequently disappearing after meals or going to the bathroom.

May run the water to disguise sounds of vomiting or reappear smelling like mouthwash or mints. Compulsive exercising – Following a punishing exercise regimen aimed at burning calories. Exercising wrought injuries, illness, and bad weather. Working out extra hard after binging or eating something “bad. ” Although our culture’s idealization of thinness plays a powerful role, there are many other contributing factors, including your family environment, emotional difficulties, low self-esteem, and traumatic experiences you may have gone through in the past.

Psychological causes and risk factors for anorexia People with anorexia are often perfectionists and overachievers. They’re the “good” daughters and sons who do what they’re told, excel in everything they do, and focus on pleasing others. But while they may appear to have it all together, inside they feel helpless, inadequate, and worthless. Through their harshly critical lens, if they’re not perfect, they’re a total failure. Family and social pressures In addition to the cultural pressure to be thin, there are other family and social pressures that can contribute to anorexia.

This includes participation in an activity that demands slenderness, such as ballet, gymnastics, or modeling. It also includes having parents who are Overly controlling, put a lot Of emphasis on looks, diet themselves, or criticize their children’s bodies and appearance. Stressful life events?such as the onset of puberty, a breakup, or going away to school?can also trigger anorexia. Biological causes of anorexia Research suggests that a genetic predisposition to anorexia may run in families.

If a girl has a sibling with anorexia, she is 10 to 20 times more likely than the general population to develop anorexia herself. Brain chemistry also plays a significant role. People with anorexia tend to have high levels of cortical, the brain hormone most related to stress, and decreased levels of serotonin and morphogenesis, which are associated with feelings of well- being. Steps to anorexia recovery Admit you have a problem. JP until now, you’ve been invested in the idea that life will be better?that you’ll finally feel good?if you lose more weight.

The first step in anorexia recovery is admitting that your relentless pursuit of thinness is out of your control and acknowledging the physical and emotional damage that you’ve suffered because of it. Talk to someone. It can be hard to talk about what you’re going through, especially if you kept your anorexia a secret for a long time. You may be ashamed, ambivalent, or afraid. But it’s important to understand that you’re not alone. Find a good listener?someone who will support as you try to get better.

Stay away from people, places, and activities that trigger your obsession with being thin. You may need to avoid looking at fashion or fitness magazines, spend less time with friends who constantly diet and talk about losing weight, and stay away from weight loss web sites and “pro-Ana” sites that promote anorexia. Seek professional help. The advice and support of trained eating disorder professionals can help you regain your health, learn to eat normally again, and develop healthier attitudes about food and your body.

Anorexia treatment and therapy Since anorexia involves both mind and body, a team approach to treatment is often best. Those who may be involved in anorexia treatment include medical doctors, psychologists, counselors, and dieticians. The participation and support of family members also makes a big difference in treatment success. Having a team around you that you can trust and rely on will make recovery easier. Treating anorexia involves three steps: Getting back to a healthy weight Starting to eat more food Changing how you think beauteousness and food Medical treatment for anorexia

The first priority in anorexia treatment is addressing and stabilizing any serious health issues. Hospitalizing may be necessary if you are dangerously malnourished or so distressed that you no longer want to live. You may also need to be hospitalized until you reach a less critical weight. Outpatient treatment is an option when you’re not in immediate medical danger. Nutritional treatment for anorexia A second component of anorexia treatment IS nutritional counseling. A nutritionist or dietician will teach you about healthy eating and proper nutrition.

The nutritionist will also help you develop and follow meal plans hat include enough calories to reach or maintain a normal, healthy weight. Counseling and therapy for anorexia Counseling is crucial to anorexia treatment. Its goal is to identify the negative thoughts and feelings that fuel your eating disorder and replace them with healthier, less distorted beliefs. Another important goal of counseling is to teach you how to deal with difficult emotions, relationship problems, and stress in a productive, rather than a self-destructive, way.

Diagnosis If your doctor thinks that you may have an eating disorder, he or she will compare your weight with the expected weight for someone of your height ND age. He or she will also check your heart, lungs, blood pressure, skin, and hair to look for problems caused by not eating enough. You may also have blood tests or X-rays. Your doctor may ask questions about how you feel. It is common for a transcendental health problem such as depression or anxiety to play a part in an eating disorder. Diagnosis The first Step toward a diagnosis is to admit the existence of an eating disorder.

Often, the patient needs to be compelled by a parent or others to see a doctor because the patient may deny and resist the problem. Some patients may even self-diagnose their condition as an allergy to reverberates, because after being on a restricted diet, eating carbohydrates can produce gastrointestinal problems, dizziness, weakness, and palpitations. This may lead such people to restrict carbohydrates even more severely. It is often extremely difficult for parents as well as the patient to admit that a problem is present.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CAB) is considered the treatment of choice for people with anorexia. With the support Of decades’ worth Of research, CAB is a time-limited and focused approach that helps a person understand how heir thinking and negative self-talk and self-image can directly impact their eating and negative behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy will often focus on identifying and altering dysfunctional thought patterns, attitudes and beliefs, which may trigger and perpetuate the person’s restrictive eating.

A researcher in the early 1 sass by the name of Chris Auburn developed a specific model of cognitive-behavioral therapy to help in the treatment of anorexia, using the traditional foundations of CAB therapy ? helping a person understand, identify and change their irrational thoughts (the cognitive” part), and helping a person make the changes real through specific behavioral interventions (such as promoting health eating behaviors through goal setting, rewards, etc. ). Cognitive-behavioral therapy is time-limited, meaning that a person with anorexia will go into treatment for a specific period of time with specific goals in mind.

Like all psychotherapy, it can be conducted in either an outpatient (once weekly) or inpatient setting. If done in an inpatient setting, eating disorders are often treated at residential treatment facilities, since eating is such an integral and necessary part of our ivies. According to an article published in 2008 from the U. S. National Guideline Clearinghouse, “For adults, preliminary evidence suggested that cognitive behavioral therapy may reduce the relapse risk after weight restoration.

For adolescents, evidence supported specific forms of family therapy that initially focused on parental control of re-nutrition. ” “Among anorexia nervous patient populations, at least one-half no longer suffered from anorexia nervous at follow up [after cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment], but many continued to have other eating disorders; mortality was significantly higher than would be expected in the population. “Factors associated with recovery or good outcomes were lower levels of depression and compulsivity.

Factors associated with mortality included concurrent alcohol and substance use disorders. Family Therapy Another form of psychotherapy is known as family therapy. Family therapy helps a person with anorexia see and understand the often-times dysfunctional role they play within the family, and how their eating behaviors maintain that role. Family therapy is usually conducted with the person who has anorexia and their family. However, in some instances, a few family harpy sessions may involve therapy without the person who has anorexia present.

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