Effects Of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorder, leading to the death of more than 10% of those who suffer from it. This disorder is derived from two Latin words that mean “nervous inability to eat” (Jurma, Morariu, Albuescu & Velea, 2015). Although anorexics have this “nervous inability to eat,” they do not lack appetites—anorexics starve themselves. Starvation in any situation leads to serious medical consequences. Despite the commonly accepted idea that anorexia only affects young white females, eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect people of all ages, cultures, genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses. Severe food restriction, excessive exercise, and a distorted body image construct
…show more content…
Women are exposed to a wide range of media messages that constantly reinforce the idea that thin is beautiful. Tall, thin, caramel colored models walk down the catwalk and look fierce. The most famous actresses are a size double zero. Magazines focus on celebrities’ minor physical flaws, such as gaining a few pounds or having cellulite. All around us we see how being thin is perfection and how the number on the scale matters. Images on T.V. spend countless hours preaching weight loss, and that others will be more accepting of people with a thin body build. Overweight characters are typically portrayed as lazy and friendless, while thin women and men are the successful, popular, sexy and powerful. It is not uncommon for models to go through plastic surgery, and photos are almost always airbrushed before going to print. By far, these body types and images are not obtainable for the average individual, and far and wide, the constant force of these images on society makes us believe they should be. Environmental factors such as culture, occupation, and puberty contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa
Conclusion
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which people intentionally starve themselves. Eating disorders include a range of conditions that involve an obsession with food, weight, and appearance. People with anorexia commonly have low self-esteem and feelings of helplessness; anorexia is not fun. Many people who strive to lose weight state, “I wish I were anorexic.” They fail to recognize the wretchedness of the disease. While the direct causes of anorexia nervosa are known, they are believed to be a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental
Women are exposed to a wide range of media messages that constantly reinforce the idea that thin is beautiful. Tall, thin, caramel colored models walk down the catwalk and look fierce. The most famous actresses are a size double zero. Magazines focus on celebrities’ minor physical flaws, such as gaining a few pounds or having cellulite. All around us we see how being thin is perfection and how the number on the scale matters. Images on T.V. spend countless hours preaching weight loss, and that others will be more accepting of people with a thin body build. Overweight characters are typically portrayed as lazy and friendless, while thin women and men are the successful, popular, sexy and powerful. It is not uncommon for models to go through plastic surgery, and photos are almost always airbrushed before going to print. By far, these body types and images are not obtainable for the average individual, and far and wide, the constant force of these images on society makes us believe they should be. Environmental factors such as culture, occupation, and puberty contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa
Conclusion
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which people intentionally starve themselves. Eating disorders include a range of conditions that involve an obsession with food, weight, and appearance. People with anorexia commonly have low self-esteem and feelings of helplessness; anorexia is not fun. Many people who strive to lose weight state, “I wish I were anorexic.” They fail to recognize the wretchedness of the disease. While the direct causes of anorexia nervosa are known, they are believed to be a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental