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Self-Image in Anorexic Individuals
by Anya Konsletto
http://www.foranorexia.com

In order for an adult to enjoy a healthy, balanced life, a
positive self-image is necessary. For many, the image that
they have of themselves is distorted far beyond anything
resembling reality, such as in the case of those who suffer
from anorexia. This debilitating ~ often deadly ~
disorder afflicts those who either have the inability or
unwillingness to see themselves as they truly are, in the
physical sense. As a result, their lives become more and
more restricted, until they~ve locked themselves into an
invisible prison from which some never escape.

An eating disorder that causes individuals to literally
starve themselves is called anorexia. The people who
suffer from it have a distorted sense of their physical
appearance and they constantly diet to become thinner.
However, no matter how thin they become, they continue to
see themselve as obese, and continue to take more desparate
measures to lose weight. The cycle continues until only
dieting eventually becomes refusal to eat. Without
treatment, this disorder can result in death.

Statistics tell us that the average anorexic is at least
15% below weight (according to insurance charts for their
age, height and build). In addition to refusing to eat,
anorexics often embark on a difficult exercise program and
then even resort the use of laxatives to completely lose
the food they do eat. This is all in an effort to lose even
more weight. This is a lethal combination, that, in many
cases leads to death. The body is starved of essential
fuel, it is physically pushed beyond limit, and then pumped
with medicine that damages the internal digestive organs,
and can cause them to shut down.

The profile of an anorexic individual is: Caucasian female
in early or late puberty, and from a high socio-economic
class. They will usually be engaged in activities that
stress the need for thinness and also seem to breed
anorexia. Theater, dancing, especially ballet, and certain
sports activities such as track and field usually attract
people with a higher than average rate of anorexia.

The symptoms to look for in diagnosing anorexia are extreme
and rapid weight loss, refusal to eat in public, followed
by the absolute refusal to eat, disruption of menstrual
cycles, such as three or more consecutive missed periods,
shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue,anxiety, brittle
skin and obsessiveness regarding food intake. Not all of
these symptoms are apparent in every individual, but if a
young, healthy girl exhibits any of them it is cause for
concern in any event, so even if some of these symptoms
exhibit themselves, it~s important to consult a physician
immediately. Whether these symptoms indicate anorexia or
some other illness, they indicate a serious health problem.

People who suffer from anorexia don't see themselves as
others see them, or even as they are in reality. Therefore
they can become angry, combative and secretive since they
think the world is against them. They will resort to such
tricks as cooking large meals for others so they do not
seem to be disgusted by food, but they will not eat any of
it themelves. They continue to see themselves as obese.

If you notice a loved one exhibiting any of the above signs
of this illness, you should immediately contact a physician
to be sure the necessary steps are taken to get them help.
Treatments do exist to help anorexics overcome this
condition. You also need to provide a strong support
system throughout the recovery period. Remember, if you
are helping someone with this disease, fear and denial may
lead them to say almost anything, so do not take anything
they say to you personally. Just continue to offer as much
love and support as you can.

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