Here is a video with a list of symptoms that will help you recognize Anorectic behavior. One cannot possibly begin to support recovery until he/she realizes that there is a problem, because the one with the disease certainly does NOT ‘see’ it. Our society is so focused on losing weight, looking like the model in the magazine (who may well be suffering with anorexia!), or being able to fit into the dress we wore in Jr. Hi when we’re 50, that we have accepted those needing Anorexia Help as having normal behavior. We ALL know someone suffering. We need to see the suffering for what it is so we can deal with it appropriately.
If you have more questions about how to recognize anorectic behavior or symptoms or suggestions on helpful eating disorders articles, please feel free to comment below.
Wow, I did not realize how many people suffer from Anorexia. I admire your passion and mission in life to educate about this subject. Thank you!
Thank you for making these symptoms public. This is such a debilitating disease and the more information shared about it will save lives.
I think this description is for anyone with OCD as well- don’t you agree? In my understanding and experience in the fitness and weight loss industry, I have learned that the majority of the weight lost from ED is muscle and then fat. When ED becomes terminal, many cases die with a body fat percentage well over 40% which is clinically obese. It’s because they use the muscle tissue as energy to survive when they are not eating. There is not enough calories to provide all the functions of the body which is another reason they get cold-it’s not because they lack body fat. This is a huge misunderstanding for not only ED but starvation diets and things like the master cleanse. Thanks for sharing this-even if all symptoms do not apply, hearing them aloud can help someone become more aware!
JJ Flizanes
Director of Invisible Fitness
Author of Fit 2 Love
JJ,
I emailed Hannah to get her take on the subject. Here is what she had to say: Well, the part about your body eating muscle (ketosis) is true but I don’t believe the part about the body being all fat. Most people with eating disorders are exercise freaks so I am not sure how they could be fat.
As to the part about being cold, the body’s metabolism has slowed down so much that it doesn’t know how to keep the limbs warm. When you go into hypothermia, the first things to get cold are the extremities. The body will protect the trunk and the head first and let the limbs die off. This happens with ED– the limbs chill faster because the body’s metabolic rate is slow, signaling to the body that you are in trouble and must fight to stay alive. Also, you don’t have fat to protect you from outside weathering. You don’t have fat to increase the colligen in the skin and keep it elastic. You don’t have oils in your skin to keep it moist and from crackling dry.
I would be interested in knowing where she got her facts…..
Thank you for sharing your knowledge about this topic. Thankfully I don’t have anyone in my life that suffers from this disease. It is nice to know where I can send people for more information. Keep up the good work.
Wow, you have really brought compassion to this subject and it sounds like it is much needed. I also did not know that most people with eating disorders looked great…I thought the opposite. Thanks again for the education.
Great educational video about bulimia. I never thought about all that you shared in how much they could be hiding. Very eye opening and you created a visual image for me to be aware of the symptoms. Thank you Nancy for sharing your knowledge so we know how we can support others.
xoxo
Alara
Really very frightening what people do to themselves to fit in. Glad you are sharing this information, so we can all be more aware.