Anorexia Nervosa is a severe eating disorder marked by extreme weight loss, fear of weight gain, and a skewed body image. Environmental factors, such as societal pressure to be thin and peer influence, particularly affect young individuals aged 12-25.
A new school, home, job, a breakup, or the death and illness of a loved one, or even change itself can cause emotional stress and increases the risk of anorexia. Stress is also a trigger for those who are already suffering from an eating disorder.
Dieting and Starvation
Starvation and weight loss may change the way the brain works in vulnerable individuals, which may perpetuate restrictive eating behaviors and make it more difficult to return to normal eating behaviors (Mayo Clinic, 1998-2019).
Starvation affects the brain = changes in mood, thinking, anxiety, and reduction in appetite.
Symptoms of of anorexia are symptoms of starvation.
Genetics
Those with first-degree relative, sibling, or child who had the disorder.
Changes in specific genes
Complications
Kidney Problems
Electrolyte abnormalities (low potassium, sodium, and chloride)
Gastrointestinal problems (constipation, bloating, and nausea.
Decreased testosterone in males
Absence of period in women
Osteoporosis
Heart problems
Anemia
Environmental
Peer pressure among young boys and girls, with a higher percentage of girls, usually ages 12-25.
Success and worth = being thin
Modern Western Culture
Social-Psychological
Family History
Eating Disorders
Alcoholism
Depression
Social Activity
Communication with friends and family serve as a mold for a person's behaviors, causing constant concern with food and body weight.
Independence
Teens with this disorder usually lack the opportunities to perform certain activities on their own, which then produces the need for independence.
Eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight/body image.
Biological
Heredity
This eating disorder is in significantly higher frequency among individuals that are biologically related to anorexic patients. In the genetic level, there is evidence that it occurs at a rate of 50% between identical twins, and 10% in fraternal twins or twin sisters (Wozniak, 2012).