Anorexia In-Depth Report

            The New York Times Health Staff wrote an article that is factual and lists: what anorexia nervosa is, cultural pressures, risk factors, age, gender, race and ethnicity, personality disorders, complications of anorexia, hormonal changes, heart disease, effect on fertility and pregnancy, effect on bones and growth, neurological problems, blood problems, multiorgan failure, symptoms specific to anorexia nervosa, diagnosing anorexia, treatment for anorexia, psychological approaches and medications or patients with anorexia nervosa, psychotherapy, and interpersonal therapy. The article defines that anorexia literally means absence of appetite. It is a medical condition that causes a loss of appetite due to a psychological aversion to food that leads to starvation. To be classified as anorexic, you have to lose 15% to 60% of normal body weight. The media and your own biological factors have a role in your appearance. The media uses body images that are unrealistic and make people want to thrive for thin. The article contradicts itself by saying that high calorie foods are vigorously marketed. It creates a confusing message to the public.

            There are about seven million females and one million males who suffer with eating disorders. The most common age and race is in Caucasian middle class adolescents and young adults; although, an eating disorder can occur in any race or socioeconomic level.

            There can be many complications and changes in your body when you have anorexia. The article claims you can go from general poor health to life-threatening conditions. Adolescents are at higher risk for anxiety and depression, suicidal behavior, and alcohol or drug abuse. The hormonal changes impact your health too. Heart disease is the biggest and most common cause of death for people with anorexia. The article states you could have dangerous heart rhythms and abnormalities. For a female, the report says you will eventually lose your menstruation and estrogen levels drop significantly. There is a 90% chance females with anorexia will develop osteopenia, and a 40% chance they will develop osteoporosis. Two thirds of children and adolescent girls will not develop strong bones during their critical growth period, because of developing anorexia. Anyone can develop nerve damage in any part of the body including the brain; even after normal weight is regained, the nerves are still damaged.

            Some symptoms include the following: absent menstrual periods, excessive exercise along with excessive weight loss, refusal to eat, cutting foods into small pieces, wear multiple layers of clothing because of sensitivity to cold and hiding thinning, yellow skin, thinning hair, cold or swollen feet/hands, stomach problems, confused or slow thinking, poor memory or judgment. The purpose of this article is to inform others about anorexia in order to stop people from becoming anorexic. This work is significant because it tells exactly what anorexia is and everything you need to know about it.

. "Anorexia In-Depth Report." nytimes.com. A.D.A.M, 2012. Web. 5 Oct 2012. <http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/anorexia-nervosa/print.html>.