Facts about anorexia and the importance of weight charts

Facts about anorexia and the importance of weight charts

Using a height-weight chart, we can determine whether a person suffers from anorexia or bulimia. Since both mental disorders are quite difficult to detect, the only way to determine whether a person is suffering from such disorders is with the help of some measuring instruments and weights. Anorexia nervosa is common in women. This type of eating disorder is the body's refusal or avoidance of increasing weight out of fear of gaining weight. Anorexia is synonymous with a lack of self-image as the majority of women who have suffered from such a disorder are those who lack confidence. Due to the changed assessment of her body, a woman often succumbed to avoidance of food and drink, which led to a lower body mass. Anorexia has the leading mortality rate of any type of psychiatric disorder and is one of the biggest problems among women.

Women suffering from such a disorder often have signs of rapid weight loss and are classified as severely underweight using a height-weight chart. One of the most common signs of women suffering from such a disorder is their perception. If she goes on a diet despite her thinness, she may suffer from anorexia. Another sign for women would be Russell's sign, which is the scarring of the ankles. Because women tried to induce vomiting with their fingers, their knuckles were often scarred. There is also the sign of cold or the perception that everything is cold. This is because the body has already lost its insulating fats to increase heat. Women with anorexia tend to always feel cold regardless of the weather conditions because they do not have the fats to insulate their bodies.

Most of the signs of anorexia would relate to the mental aspect of the woman. Purging or vomiting can be triggered by the use of certain medications as well as diet pills, syrups, and laxatives. That's why women with anorexia usually have such products. Women who are anorexic would also show signs of food refusal by eating small portions, cutting food into pieces or those who would cook food but later throw away their food. Women who also find that they are overweight despite having a very low BMI or scale can also be a sign of anorexia. However, the most common sign for women who would suffer from such an illness is severe depression. Fearing that they would gain weight, they crave solitude and would rather suffer than eat what they want. Without proper nutrition, her body and mind would be empty. For this reason, women who may be suffering from such a disorder should seek the help of a psychiatrist or healthcare professional immediately.

Inspired by Steven Kline