Fight the symptoms and effects of eating disorders
Bulimia Nervosa
It's important to realise that not everyone will have the same symptoms. Some people will have a mix of symptoms and you do not need to have all these symptoms to have an eating disorder.
'Anorexia nervosa' means 'loss of appetite for nervous reasons' but this is misleading because in reality you have lost the ability to allow yourself to satisfy your appetite. You probably restrict the amount you eat and drink, sometimes to a dangerous level. You focus on food in an attempt to cope with life, not to starve yourself to death. You may exercise to burn off what you perceive to be excess calories. It is a way of demonstrating that you are in control of your body weight and shape. However, ultimately it is the disorder itself that takes control and the chemical changes in the body affect the brain and distort thinking, making it almost impossible for you to make rational decisions about food. As the illness progresses, you will suffer from the exhaustion of starvation. This can lead to death if left untreated.
How anorexia affects the body:
- In adults, extreme weight loss; in children and teenagers, poor or inadequate weight gain in relation to their growth or substantial weight loss.
- Dizzy spells and feeling faint
- Constipation and abdominal pains
- Poor blood circulation and feeling cold
- Bloated stomach, puffy face and ankles
- Downy hair on the body; occasionally loss of hair on the head when recovering
- Dry, rough, or discoloured skin
- Loss of 'periods', loss of interest in sex
- Loss of bone mass and eventually osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- Intense fear of gaining weight and obsessive interest in what others are eating
- Changes in personality and mood swings
- Distorted perception of body shape and weight
- Denial of the existence of a problem
- Becoming aware of an 'inner voice' that challenges your views on eating and exercise