BLOG 73 ANOREXIA

BLOG 73 ANOREXIA

The reflection we see in the mirror is powerful and plays an integral role in our body image, self-esteem, and mental well-being. But sometimes this view becomes distorted and the measures taken to achieve the ideal look can become obsessively dangerous. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that can be life threatening and detrimental to those experiencing its wrath. 

A powerful quote from one of my recent reads: “The mirror became an obsession for me. It became something I could rely on for instant feedback. But then I couldn’t rely on how I processed the feedback. At my lowest weight, the mirror still told me I was not worthy of being called anorexic” (Safety in Numbers, Brittany Burgunder, 2016). 

We have to have food to live. It is a daily component that we think about constantly. Anorexia involves self-starvation and excessive weight loss. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, warning signs include the following (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/anorexia-nervosa):

• Dramatic weight loss.
• Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting.
• Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions against whole categories of food (e.g. no carbohydrates, etc.).
• Frequent comments about feeling “fat” or overweight despite weight loss.
• Anxiety about gaining weight or being “fat.”
• Denial of hunger.
• Development of food rituals (e.g. eating foods in certain orders, excessive chewing, rearranging food on a plate).
• Consistent excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food.
• Excessive, rigid exercise regimen--despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury, the need to “burn off” calories taken in.
• Withdrawal from usual friends and activities.
• In general, behaviors and attitudes indicating that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns.

Anorexia can be a coping mechanism for other issues taking place such as having anxiety, OCD, or being a perfectionist. Having the control to deprive, restrict, or starve, over shadows these issues and masks the true issue that needs to be confronted. In other words, one focuses their energy and efforts on anorexia versus the reality of their problems. This disease is more common in females, especially in a society that often times equates beauty with being thin. 

So in the end… anorexia really isn’t about food at all. 

There are many health consequences involved which include (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/anorexia-nervosa)):

• Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which mean that the heart muscle is changing. The risk for heart failure rises as heart rate and blood pressure levels sink lower and lower.
• Reduction of bone density (osteoporosis), which results in dry, brittle bones.
• Muscle loss and weakness.
• Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure.
• Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness.
• Dry hair and skin, hair loss is common.
• Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm.

Finding a healthy relationship with food can be challenging. We are surrounded by food and mirrors everywhere we turn. Your reflection doesn’t show what’s happening on the inside of you. Appearance of course means something to us, but don’t forget your heart and personality. I hope to instill healthy, sustainable, lifestyle habits and to teach others to use food as fuel not for emotion. So the next time you see yourself in the studio mirrors, remember you are working on being the best version of you and that is all that matters!!!!