• Patient Care & Health Information
  • Diseases & Conditions
  • Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia (an-o-REK-see-uh) nervosa — often simply called anorexia — is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight. People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, using extreme efforts that tend to significantly interfere with their lives.

To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight, people with anorexia usually severely restrict the amount of food they eat. They may control calorie intake by vomiting after eating or by misusing laxatives, diet aids, diuretics or enemas. They may also try to lose weight by exercising excessively. No matter how much weight is lost, the person continues to fear weight gain.

Anorexia isn't really about food. It's an extremely unhealthy and sometimes life-threatening way to try to cope with emotional problems. When you have anorexia, you often equate thinness with self-worth.

Anorexia, like other eating disorders, can take over your life and can be very difficult to overcome. But with treatment, you can gain a better sense of who you are, return to healthier eating habits and reverse some of anorexia's serious complications.

Products & Services

  • A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
  • Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition

The physical signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa are related to starvation. Anorexia also includes emotional and behavioral issues involving an unrealistic perception of body weight and an extremely strong fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.

It may be difficult to notice signs and symptoms because what is considered a low body weight is different for each person, and some individuals may not appear extremely thin. Also, people with anorexia often disguise their thinness, eating habits or physical problems.

Physical symptoms

Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia may include:

  • Extreme weight loss or not making expected developmental weight gains
  • Thin appearance
  • Abnormal blood counts
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Bluish discoloration of the fingers
  • Hair that thins, breaks or falls out
  • Soft, downy hair covering the body
  • Absence of menstruation
  • Constipation and abdominal pain
  • Dry or yellowish skin
  • Intolerance of cold
  • Irregular heart rhythms
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dehydration
  • Swelling of arms or legs
  • Eroded teeth and calluses on the knuckles from induced vomiting

Some people who have anorexia binge and purge, similar to individuals who have bulimia. But people with anorexia generally struggle with an abnormally low body weight, while individuals with bulimia typically are normal to above normal weight.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms

Behavioral symptoms of anorexia may include attempts to lose weight by:

  • Severely restricting food intake through dieting or fasting
  • Exercising excessively
  • Bingeing and self-induced vomiting to get rid of food, which may include the use of laxatives, enemas, diet aids or herbal products

Emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms may include:

  • Preoccupation with food, which sometimes includes cooking elaborate meals for others but not eating them
  • Frequently skipping meals or refusing to eat
  • Denial of hunger or making excuses for not eating
  • Eating only a few certain "safe" foods, usually those low in fat and calories
  • Adopting rigid meal or eating rituals, such as spitting food out after chewing
  • Not wanting to eat in public
  • Lying about how much food has been eaten
  • Fear of gaining weight that may include repeated weighing or measuring the body
  • Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws
  • Complaining about being fat or having parts of the body that are fat
  • Covering up in layers of clothing
  • Flat mood (lack of emotion)
  • Social withdrawal
  • Irritability
  • Reduced interest in sex

When to see a doctor

Unfortunately, many people with anorexia don't want treatment, at least initially. Their desire to remain thin overrides concerns about their health. If you have a loved one you're worried about, urge her or him to talk to a doctor.

If you're experiencing any of the problems listed above, or if you think you may have an eating disorder, get help. If you're hiding your anorexia from loved ones, try to find a person you trust to talk to about what's going on.

The exact cause of anorexia is unknown. As with many diseases, it's probably a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.

  • Biological. Although it's not yet clear which genes are involved, there may be genetic changes that make some people at higher risk of developing anorexia. Some people may have a genetic tendency toward perfectionism, sensitivity and perseverance — all traits associated with anorexia.
  • Psychological. Some people with anorexia may have obsessive-compulsive personality traits that make it easier to stick to strict diets and forgo food despite being hungry. They may have an extreme drive for perfectionism, which causes them to think they're never thin enough. And they may have high levels of anxiety and engage in restrictive eating to reduce it.
  • Environmental. Modern Western culture emphasizes thinness. Success and worth are often equated with being thin. Peer pressure may help fuel the desire to be thin, particularly among young girls.

Risk factors

Anorexia is more common in girls and women. However, boys and men have increasingly developed eating disorders, possibly related to growing social pressures.

Anorexia is also more common among teenagers. Still, people of any age can develop this eating disorder, though it's rare in those over 40. Teens may be more at risk because of all the changes their bodies go through during puberty. They may also face increased peer pressure and be more sensitive to criticism or even casual comments about weight or body shape.

Certain factors increase the risk of anorexia, including:

  • Genetics. Changes in specific genes may put certain people at higher risk of anorexia. Those with a first-degree relative — a parent, sibling or child — who had the disorder have a much higher risk of anorexia.
  • Dieting and starvation. Dieting is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder. There is strong evidence that many of the symptoms of anorexia are actually symptoms of starvation. Starvation affects the brain and influences mood changes, rigidity in thinking, anxiety and reduction in appetite. Starvation and weight loss may change the way the brain works in vulnerable individuals, which may perpetuate restrictive eating behaviors and make it difficult to return to normal eating habits.
  • Transitions. Whether it's a new school, home or job; a relationship breakup; or the death or illness of a loved one, change can bring emotional stress and increase the risk of anorexia.

Complications

Anorexia can have numerous complications. At its most severe, it can be fatal. Death may occur suddenly — even when someone is not severely underweight. This may result from abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or an imbalance of electrolytes — minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium that maintain the balance of fluids in your body.

Other complications of anorexia include:

  • Heart problems, such as mitral valve prolapse, abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure
  • Bone loss (osteoporosis), increasing the risk of fractures
  • Loss of muscle
  • In females, absence of a period
  • In males, decreased testosterone
  • Gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloating or nausea
  • Electrolyte abnormalities, such as low blood potassium, sodium and chloride
  • Kidney problems

If a person with anorexia becomes severely malnourished, every organ in the body can be damaged, including the brain, heart and kidneys. This damage may not be fully reversible, even when the anorexia is under control.

In addition to the host of physical complications, people with anorexia also commonly have other mental health disorders as well. They may include:

  • Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorders
  • Alcohol and substance misuse
  • Self-injury, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts

There's no guaranteed way to prevent anorexia nervosa. Primary care physicians (pediatricians, family physicians and internists) may be in a good position to identify early indicators of anorexia and prevent the development of full-blown illness. For instance, they can ask questions about eating habits and satisfaction with appearance during routine medical appointments.

If you notice that a family member or friend has low self-esteem, severe dieting habits and dissatisfaction with appearance, consider talking to him or her about these issues. Although you may not be able to prevent an eating disorder from developing, you can talk about healthier behavior or treatment options.

  • Sim LA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 31, 2018.
  • Anorexia nervosa. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2013. http://dsm.psychiatryonline.org. Accessed Nov. 13, 2017.
  • Hales RE, et al. Anorexia nervosa. In: The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 6th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2014. http://psychiatryonline.org. Accessed Nov. 13, 2017.
  • Klein D, et al. Anorexia nervosa in adults: Clinical features, course of illness, assessment, and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 13, 2017.
  • Mehler P. Anorexia nervosa in adults and adolescents: Medical complications and their management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 13, 2017.
  • Mehler P. Anorexia nervosa in adults: Evaluation for medical complications and criteria for hospitalization to manage these complications. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 13, 2017.
  • Pike K. Anorexia nervosa in adults: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 13, 2017.
  • Walsh BT. Anorexia nervosa in adults: Pharmacotherapy. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 13, 2017.
  • Anorexia nervosa. Merck Manual Professional Version. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa. Accessed Nov. 13, 2017.
  • Harrington BC, et al. Initial evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. American Family Physician. 2015;91:46.
  • Brockmeyer T, et al. Advances in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: A review of established and emerging interventions. Psychological Medicine. In press. Accessed Nov. 13, 2017.
  • Davis H, et al. Pharmacotherapy of eating disorders. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2017;30:452.
  • Herpertz-Dahlmann B. Treatment of eating disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2017;30:438.
  • Fogarty S, et al. The role of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review. Eating Behaviors. 2016;21:179.
  • Eating disorders. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Eating-Disorders/Overview. Accessed Nov. 13, 2017.
  • Lebow J, et al. Is there clinical consensus in defining weight restoration for adolescents with anorexia nervosa? Eating Disorders. In press. Accessed Dec. 4, 2017.
  • Lebow J, et al. The effect of atypical antipsychotic medications in individuals with anorexia nervosa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 2013;46:332.
  • Five things to know about safety of dietary supplements for children and teens. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/child-supplements. Accessed Feb. 9, 2018.

Associated Procedures

  • Acupuncture
  • Bone density test
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
  • Liver function tests
  • Psychotherapy

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has been recognized as one of the top Psychiatry hospitals in the nation for 2023-2024 by U.S. News & World Report.

  • Symptoms & causes
  • Diagnosis & treatment
  • Doctors & departments

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

  • Opportunities

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press .

  • Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence
  • The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book
  • Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance
  • FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment
  • Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book

Getting writing help is so easy with us

Choose the type, level, urgency, and length to start off

cause and effect of anorexia essay

Anorexia Essay: How to Write a Good Paper on This Critical Issue

Today, the range of topics you can highlight in a written assignment is limitless. The world is fickle, and the number of things you can describe and discuss in your school essay is always growing. Students write about artificial intelligence, the problems of social networks, and video game addiction, issues that are becoming more pressing with each day.

One of the most significant areas students discuss in their papers is health. In our article , we are going to focus on the anorexia essay and study the four approaches you can use for writing. We want to emphasize the importance of discussing and highlighting this issue, which has been slowly and steadily spreading throughout the modern world. Therefore, we hope that our guide to the essay about anorexia will help you cope with this specific paper and make you think about some undereating issues that might not seem like a big deal at first.

Purpose of the Anorexia Nervosa Essay

The first question you are likely to face while preparing a paper on this disputable topic is what to write about in your essay . Every second student has heard of anorexia and knows what it is. However, you are to write a thoughtful essay, not a column in a glossary. That means a mere definition of anorexia is not enough to get a high or any grade.

If you don't know what you should write about in your paper , then the first thing you are to do is define the central purpose of your task. That usually depends on the essay type, the principles of which will determine the way you develop the writing. Based on those, you might have to convince your reader of a standpoint, argue a specific idea about anorexia, explain the consequences of this disorder, or present possible solutions to this issue. Of course, your essay will revolve around the anorexia nervosa, but your objective will vary depending on the angle you choose.

Argumentative Essay on Anorexia

Here, you should decide on your viewpoint and back it by substantial evidence. When speaking about the argumentative essay on anorexia, there are a lot of concepts related to this disorder you could easily use for your writing. For example, you could question the very definition of anorexia. Is it dangerous to weigh less than forty kilograms? Tell why it is essential to pay attention to this issue, agree or express disagreement with some opinions on this matter. Remember that a good argumentative essay on anorexia is impossible without a solid foundation of evidence.

Persuasive Essay on Anorexia

How to persuade the reader if your essay is on anorexia? Think about all the "why" and "how" questions. Formulate your opinion about this problem and think of how to prove the validity of your viewpoints to the audience . What to include in your persuasive essay? Think about the following ideas:

  • Why is anorexia an ideal in the model business?
  • How important is it to control your diet?
  • Anorexia as a dream (or nightmare) of any girl.

Dig deeper, and you will be surprised with how many non-trivial ideas you can find.

Problem-Solution Essay on Anorexia

Anorexia holds many problems behind its name. These may be not just health problems but also bullying, low self-esteem, or mental disorders. Your task while preparing a problem solution essay on anorexia is to choose which of the issues you would like to discuss and to find possible ways to solve it. You can mention the already-known methods (work on mental problems, proper nutrition, visiting the therapist, etc.) and explain your attitude towards them. Besides, you are free to express any non-trivial ideas and assumptions if you can support them with pertinent facts or examples.

Cause and Effect Essay on Anorexia

The health of young people as a new generation is probably the most discussed topic in different areas such as psychology or medicine. Anorexia can be the root of many problems and raise some critical questions:

  • What can difficulties with nutrition entail?
  • What dire consequences await for adolescents who flip through fashion magazines with admiration?
  • What problems hide behind strict diets?

You can answer all those questions in your cause and effect essay about anorexia. Any carelessness or indifference can cause a challenging struggle with this condition.

Your Anorexia Essay Structure

To express ideas or assumptions logically and understandably, you must follow some standard structure rules. All the parts of your writing should be interlinked with each other and keep to one central idea. But, that doesn't mean every sentence of your paper should contain the same information. Therefore, you should be aware of what is appropriate for mentioning in each part of your paper.

Introduction

This part must contain the thesis statement, which you will address throughout the paper. Usually, in an anorexia essay introduction, you raise a particular issue that you want to explore and emphasize or state a specific opinion. Often, a central idea here is placed in one of the last sentences of this part because then goes an essay body, the content of which directly depends on the purpose of your writing. One of the introduction's last sentences may sound like:

  • But what if anorexia isn't as harmful as we think?
  • What can you face if your nutrition continues to be unregular?
  • There is no doubt that TV shows promoting anorexia should be prohibited.

The Body Paragraphs

Let's see what to write in the central part of your paper on anorexia? As we mentioned above, it depends on the purpose of your writing. Nevertheless, your essay should be well-grounded, and all your ideas, as well as statements about anorexia nervosa that you want to argue, should be reasonable and relevant. To find the sources you can research and use in your body paragraphs, you can:

  • Look through the previous successful research on this theme.
  • Explore medicine- or psychology-oriented online sources and libraries.
  • Visit the nearest hospital and try to talk to doctors (if you're brave enough).
  • Check the Internet for some books, tv-shows, or documentaries about this terrible eating disorder.

Ready to make a thought-provoking conclusion? Think about whether there are any open questions or what-ifs left. There is a chance your anorexia essay conclusion will be met with doubts and arguments because this issue is highly debatable - many men, many minds. Your task is to predict such an outcome and make your final part as refined and doubt-proof as possible. Otherwise, don't worry because you have already made your essay so impressive that it will make your readers ponder. But be careful because your conclusion shouldn't anything new (information, ideas, etc.).

Anorexia Essay Topics You Can Use

To focus your attention on the most relevant anorexia-related issues, we want to offer you some ideas to inspire you or give a good foundation for your topic. Here is a list of anorexia essay topics that will grab anyone's attention:

  • High price for low weight: What does the anorexia hold?
  • Glamorous anorexia. Does being a model mean giving up on your health?
  • America's Next Top Anorexic and the popularity of plus-size models.
  • Why "40 kilos" isn't an "anorexia" tag anymore.
  • "I'm not hungry" or why it's essential to spot an eating disorder.
  • Why do teenage girls dream about losing weight?
  • Skinny girls on TV as an unreachable aspiration.
  • Why there's no such thing as "perfect" body.
  • Anorexia as a result of mental health issues.
  • Mockery of anorexic people and its consequences.

Anorexia Essay Outline Example

Here is our outline example with key ideas to develop in each paragraph. Study it and see how to add logic and coherence to your essay .

  • Introduction Anorexia among teenagers is a result of mental illness.
  • Backing evidence 1 Bullying at school makes teenagers think about themselves as not attractive or defective. Such thoughts can lead to mental trauma resulting in the loss of appetite and weight.
  • Backing evidence 2 According to previous psychological and medical studies, the majority of anorexic people seek help from therapists first because they see anorexia as not a physical but mental disorder.
  • Backing evidence 3 Advertising and various TV-shows promote unhealthy skinny bodies as perfection and influence teenagers psychologically, making them change their bodies "for the better."
  • Conclusion To predict and avoid any signs of anorexia, we should pay attention not only to our weight but our mental state as well. Don't let anyone think about your body as "not skinny enough."

We hope this essay outline example will be useful to you. Such an assignment is your chance to show your competence, analytical thinking skills, and extensive background knowledge.

Where to look for inspiration

As a conclusion, we would like to offer you an inspirational tip, especially if you are going to write about anorexia in teenage females.

Nowadays teenagers enjoy watching various TV-series and movies that try bring to light the issue of anorexia nervosa. Look through some of them (or recall if you have watched some) and share your impression with your readers and professors:

  • Red Band Society, 2014 (Emma Chota)
  • Skins, 2007 (Cassie Ainsworth)
  • To the Bone, 2017 (Ellen)
  • Girl, Interrupted, 1999 (Daisy Randone)
  • Binge, 2017 (Nancy)

As you can see, this eating disorder has been a pressing issue for many years. Express your standpoint about the problem and write a perfect essay by using our tips!

Subscribe to get free samples

Writer 147214

Christopher

Writer 99423

More than 176 testimonials from clients make up a 9.6 / 10 rate of success , making our organization one of the best in the industry.

"You made my essay completely refined! I've never thought there can be so many mistakes in my writings! You are real professionals, will request your editors' help more."

"Thank you for my "A+" lab report — a good start for my school year! Quick delivery and prompt answers are your best features! And thanks for a nice discount :)"

"I'm dreaming about the day when PowerPoint Presentations become vestiges from the past! I didn't have time to put it all together for my History assignment, so I asked you - and you dealt with it expertly! Thank you for my A+!"

"Had to ask for two revisions of my case study but overall I'm satisfied with it. Earned me a B+, and that's more than enough for me."

"Can’t tell how glad I am. I had to write five pages in just 6 hours. I would never have done it myself. And I knew nobody who could help me out. Honestly, I could not believe it was possible in first place. But I did a quick search on the web and found you. You did a great job, thank you!"

"I like studying history, but sometimes my prof gives us topics that are just impossible to research. idk where you get your sources, but every time I come to you with something complicated - you deliver. thanks so much!"

Eating Disorders: A Session With Sufferers of Obesity and Anorexia Cause and Effect Essay

Open floor session.

Many studies affirm that the impact of obesity on our society with a report by the Trust for America’s Health suggesting that over half of American adults are either overweight or obese (Levi, Juliano & Segal, 2006). Obesity is a consequence of the energy intake in terms of calories exceeding the energy expenditure (WHO, 2000).

However, there are many complex and diverse factors that create this imbalance in the intake and expenditure of calories and the interaction between a number of these factors may be the cause of obesity. It is therefore wrong to assume that obesity is simply as a result of overindulgence in certain kinds of foods or lack of physical activity.

Dietary factors and physical activity patterns have been observed to strongly influence the balance between energy intake and expenditure. Many research findings indicate that dietary factors such as levels of fat and energy food intakes are positively associated with excessive body weight which translates to obesity (WHO, 2000). The body compensates for the overconsumption of energy from high-fat foods but the fat induced appetite control signals tend to get weak thus leading to more consumption.

In addition to the dietary factors, there is a relationship between the Body Mass Index and physical activities that one involves himself in. As such, there is a strong indication that obese and overweight people are less active than their lean counterparts. Partly as a result of this findings, there has been an assumption that being obese explicitly implies inactivity.

This is a myth that should be dispelled off since results in studies suggest that low and decreasing levels of activity are primarily responsible as obesity is absent among elite athletes while those athletes who give up sports often end up experiencing fatness (WHO, 2000)

Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder which makes eating very distressing for a person (Stark, 2000). Anorexia is commonly characterized by emaciation and a distortion of body image by the sufferer. People with this condition are obsessively anxious to maintain or reduce their body weight.

To achieve this, the sufferers of this condition engage in a rigid control of their daily calorie intake. While people with anorexia nervosa normally have perfectly normal appetites and feel hungry as the rest of the people do, their fear of weight gain deters them from maintaining a normal diet.

One of the myths that surrounds anorexia is that the only cause of this disorder is the wish to lose weight; some people even refer to the condition as the ‘slimmer’s disease’. While this assumption may hold true for some cases Stark assets that this eating disorder is caused by a number of other factors.

Another myth surrounding anorexia is that the condition is exclusively suffered by women. While it is true that a majority of the sufferers of this condition are indeed women, Stark (2000) demonstrates that these group make up 90-95% with the remaining percentage being filled up by men. In additional to this, there is evidence that suggest that in the 7-14year age bracket, boys make up 25% of anorexia cases. This might be attributed to the fact that appearance and body image generate great especially among teenagers.

The media has been blamed for the prevalence of anorexia as the fashion and standards set by the industry positively influence people’s lifestyle choices. However, blaming the media entirely is misguided as many people who do not conform to the ideals presented by the fashion industry and media still end up having distorted images of themselves leading to diets that cause anorexia.

In response to Lindsey’s question as to whether her obesity could be as a result of her parents being obese, I would say that there is scientific that some people are more susceptible to obesity than others.

A study by the World Health Organization affirms that genetic studies in many populations of the world suggest that genetic, biological and other personal factors interact to determine an individual’s susceptibility to weight gain (WHO, 2000). I would therefore suggest that there is a very high likelihood that your obesity may indeed have some genetic basis.

Robert wants to know why despite having the same eating habits with his girlfriend only he gains weight. Well, as I had mentioned earlier, body weight is as a result of multiple physiological processes. Due to the differing physiological make up between two people, the ability of the metabolism rates also differ (Levi, Juliano & Segal, 2006).

As such, it is possible that you, Robert, may have a lower metabolism than your girlfriend. As such, her body is able to burn up the extra calories that she consumers thus leading to her being leaner. Alternatively, the physical activities which you individually take part in may play a crucial role on the issue. If you engage in a more sedentary lifestyle compared to your girlfriend, then you are more likely to be obese than she is despite similar eating habits.

In response to Nancy, I would like to say that your mother is one of those people who believe in the myth that all anorexic behavior is as a result of media influence. Stark (2000) asserts that in some cases, one may still feel the need to conform to a certain body type without any media influence.

You Nancy may fall in this category. However, you propose that you just don’t crave food. Research has it that anorexic people have appetites just like other people but their fear forces them to subside this appetite until they have no desire for food. This I would suggest is the case in your particular situation.

Tyra wants to know why every time she eats she just feels sick. Typically, eating does not for a healthy person lead to subsequent feelings of sickness. I would infer that your sickness has more of a psychological than a physical cause. Your feeling of self loathing after you eat may be attributed to a psychological illness such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse (Stark, 2000).

In this session, I set out to give you a brief introduction to two particular forms of eating disorders, that is obesity and anorexia. In this discussion, I have provided a brief overview of the various physiological causes of the conditions and dispelled of the myths that surround this conditions.

While further help is needed to ensure that you all recover from your conditions, it is my hope that you have indeed gained something substantial from this session and that you will use this to improve you health. An achievement of good health will no doubt lead to an improvement in the quality of your lives in the long run.

Levi, J., Juliano, C. & Segal, L. M. (2006). F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America. Trust for America’s Health.

Stark, C. (2000). All about Anorexia Nervosa . London: The Mental Health Foundation UK Office.

World Health Organization (2000 ). Understanding how Overweight and Obesity Develop . Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/

  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 21). Eating Disorders: A Session With Sufferers of Obesity and Anorexia. https://ivypanda.com/essays/eating-disorders-a-session-with-sufferers-of-obesity-and-anorexia/

"Eating Disorders: A Session With Sufferers of Obesity and Anorexia." IvyPanda , 21 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/eating-disorders-a-session-with-sufferers-of-obesity-and-anorexia/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Eating Disorders: A Session With Sufferers of Obesity and Anorexia'. 21 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Eating Disorders: A Session With Sufferers of Obesity and Anorexia." February 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/eating-disorders-a-session-with-sufferers-of-obesity-and-anorexia/.

1. IvyPanda . "Eating Disorders: A Session With Sufferers of Obesity and Anorexia." February 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/eating-disorders-a-session-with-sufferers-of-obesity-and-anorexia/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Eating Disorders: A Session With Sufferers of Obesity and Anorexia." February 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/eating-disorders-a-session-with-sufferers-of-obesity-and-anorexia/.

  • The Problem of Anorexia in Modern American Society
  • Psychological Disorders: Bulimia Nervosa vs. Anorexia Nervosa
  • The Portrayal of Women With Anorexia
  • Healthy Lifestyles in the Context of Anorexia and Obesity
  • Anorexia Nervosa: Medical Issues
  • Anorexia Nervosa: Signs, Effects and Therapies
  • Anorexia Nervosa in Psychological Point of View
  • Anorexia in Teens: Media Impact
  • The Eating Disorder - Anorexia Nervosa
  • Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive Overeating
  • Brief Overview of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Managing Bipolar Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder: Causes, Symptoms and Facts
  • Mental Illness and Effective Treatments
  • Anorexia as Eating Disorder

Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Public Health Issues — Eating Disorders

one px

Essay Examples on Eating Disorders

What makes a good eating disorders essay topic.

When it comes to selecting a topic for your eating disorders essay, it's crucial to consider a multitude of factors that can elevate your writing to new heights. Below are some innovative suggestions on how to brainstorm and choose an essay topic that will captivate your readers:

- Brainstorm: Begin by unleashing a storm of ideas related to eating disorders. Delve into the various facets, such as causes, effects, treatment options, societal influences, and personal narratives. Ponder upon what intrigues you and what will engage your audience.

- Research: Embark on a comprehensive research journey to accumulate information and gain a profound understanding of the subject matter. This exploration will enable you to identify distinctive angles and perspectives to explore in your essay. Seek out scholarly sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.

- Cater to your audience: Reflect upon your readers and their interests to tailor your topic accordingly. Adapting your subject matter to captivate your audience will undoubtedly make your essay more engaging. Consider the age, background, and knowledge level of your readers.

- Unveil controversies: Unearth the controversies and debates within the realm of eating disorders. Opting for a topic that ignites discussion will infuse your essay with thought-provoking and impactful qualities. Delve into various viewpoints and critically analyze arguments for and against different ideas.

- Personal connection: If you possess a personal connection or experience with eating disorders, contemplate sharing your story or delving into it within your essay. This will add a unique and personal touch to your writing. However, ensure that your personal anecdotes remain relevant to the topic and effectively support your main points.

Overall, a remarkable eating disorders essay topic should be meticulously researched, thought-provoking, and relevant to your audience's interests and needs.

Best Eating Disorders Essay Topics

Below, you will find a compilation of the finest eating disorders essay topics to consider:

1. The captivating influence of social media on promoting unhealthy body image. 2. Breaking free from stereotypes: Exploring eating disorders among male athletes. 3. The profound impact of diet culture on body image and self-esteem. 4. Unraveling the intricate link between eating disorders and the pursuit of perfection. 5. The portrayal of eating disorders in popular media: Dissecting the battle between glamorization and reality.

Best Eating Disorders Essay Questions

Below, you will find an array of stellar eating disorders essay questions to explore:

1. How does social media contribute to the development and perpetuation of eating disorders? 2. What challenges do males with eating disorders face, and how can these challenges be addressed? 3. To what extent does the family environment contribute to the development of eating disorders? 4. What role does diet culture play in fostering unhealthy relationships with food? 5. How can different treatment approaches be tailored to address the unique needs of individuals grappling with eating disorders?

Eating Disorders Essay Prompts

Below, you will find a collection of eating disorders essay prompts that will kindle your creative fire:

1. Craft a personal essay that intricately details your voyage towards recovery from an eating disorder, elucidating the lessons you learned along the way. 2. Picture yourself as a parent of a teenager burdened with an eating disorder. Pen a heartfelt letter to other parents, sharing your experiences and providing valuable advice. 3. Fabricate a fictional character entangled in the clutches of binge-eating disorder. Concoct a short story that explores their odyssey towards self-acceptance and recovery. 4. Construct a persuasive essay that fervently argues for the integration of comprehensive education on eating disorders into school curricula. 5. Immerse yourself in the role of a therapist specializing in eating disorders. Compose a reflective essay that delves into the challenges and rewards of working with individuals grappling with eating disorders.

Writing Eating Disorders Essays: Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about writing eating disorders essays:

Q: How can I effectively commence my eating disorders essay? A: Commence your essay with a captivating introduction that ensnares the reader's attention and provides an overview of the topic. Consider starting with an intriguing statistic, a powerful quote, or a personal anecdote.

Q: Can I incorporate personal experiences into my eating disorders essay? A: Absolutely! Infusing your essay with personal experiences adds depth and authenticity. However, ensure that your personal anecdotes remain relevant to the topic and effectively support your main points.

Q: How can I make my eating disorders essay engaging? A: Utilize a variety of rhetorical devices such as metaphors, similes, and vivid descriptions to transform your essay into an engaging masterpiece. Additionally, consider incorporating real-life examples, case studies, or interviews to provide concrete evidence and make your essay relatable.

Q: Should my essay focus solely on one specific type of eating disorder? A: While focusing on a specific type of eating disorder can provide a narrower scope for your essay, exploring the broader theme of eating disorders as a whole can also be valuable. Strive to strike a balance between depth and breadth in your writing.

Q: How can I conclude my eating disorders essay effectively? A: In your conclusion, summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement. Additionally, consider leaving the reader with a thought-provoking question or a call to action, encouraging further reflection or research on the topic.

Eating Disorders in Adolescents

Jane martin’s beauty, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Argumentative Essay on Eating Disorders

Eating disorders and methods of its treatment, the correlation between social media and the development of eating disorders, the damages of eating disorders, let us write you an essay from scratch.

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Stereotypes Around Eating Disorders

Anorexia – a growing issue in teenage girls, examining eating disorders and social learning theory to draw useful conclusions, photoshopping images and how it impacts eating disorders, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

Nutrition Intervention for Eating Disorders

How beauty pageants can cause health difficulties, a look into the life of people with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa: causes, symptoms and treatment, the prevention and treatment of anorexia nervosa, food addiction: does it really exist, depiction of anorexia nervosa in the movie to the bone, a study of eating disorders in judaism and the impact of patriarchal values and pressures, the differences between anorexia and bulimia, social media as the reason of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, the role of society in the development of anorexia in teen girls, exploring solutions for fighting the obesity epidemic.

Eating disorders refer to a complex set of mental health conditions characterized by disturbances in one's eating behaviors and attitudes towards food, leading to severe consequences on an individual's physical and psychological well-being.

Anorexia Nervosa: Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of one's body image. People with this disorder exhibit extreme food restriction, leading to significant weight loss and the possibility of reaching dangerously low levels of body weight. Anorexia nervosa is often accompanied by obsessive thoughts about food, excessive exercise routines, and a constant preoccupation with body shape and size. Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia nervosa involves a cyclic pattern of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain. During binge episodes, individuals consume large quantities of food in a short period and experience a loss of control over their eating. To counteract the caloric intake, these individuals may resort to self-induced vomiting, excessive exercising, or the misuse of laxatives. It is important to note that unlike anorexia nervosa, individuals with bulimia nervosa typically maintain a body weight within the normal range or slightly above. Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming a significant amount of food in a short period, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. Unlike other eating disorders, individuals with binge eating disorder do not engage in compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise.

Distorted Body Image: Individuals with eating disorders often have a distorted perception of their body, seeing themselves as overweight or unattractive, even when they are underweight or at a healthy weight. Obsession with Food and Weight: People with eating disorders may constantly think about food, calories, and their weight. They may develop strict rules and rituals around eating, such as avoiding certain food groups, restricting their intake, or engaging in excessive exercise. Emotional and Psychological Factors: Eating disorders are often associated with underlying emotional and psychological issues, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, or a need for control. Physical Health: Eating disorders can have severe physical health consequences, including malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, hormonal disruptions, gastrointestinal problems, and organ damage. These complications can be life-threatening and require medical intervention. Social Isolation and Withdrawal: Individuals struggling with eating disorders may experience a withdrawal from social activities, distancing themselves from others due to feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment related to their eating behaviors or body image. This social isolation can intensify the challenges they face and contribute to a sense of loneliness and emotional distress. Co-occurring Disorders: Eating disorders frequently co-occur with other mental health conditions, creating complex challenges for those affected. It is common for individuals with eating disorders to also experience anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse issues, or engage in self-harming behaviors. The coexistence of these disorders can exacerbate the severity of symptoms and necessitate comprehensive and integrated treatment approaches.

Genetic and Biological Factors: Research suggests that there is a genetic predisposition to eating disorders. Individuals with a family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions may be at a higher risk. Biological factors, such as imbalances in brain chemicals or hormones, can also contribute to the development of eating disorders. Psychological Factors: Psychological factors play a significant role in the development of eating disorders. Factors such as diminished self-worth, a relentless pursuit of perfection, dissatisfaction with one's body, and distorted perceptions of body image can play a significant role in the onset and perpetuation of disordered eating patterns. Sociocultural Influences: Societal pressures and cultural norms surrounding body image and beauty standards can contribute to the development of eating disorders. Media portrayal of unrealistic body ideals, peer influence, and societal emphasis on thinness can impact individuals' self-perception and increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. Traumatic Experiences: The impact of traumatic events, be it physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, can heighten the vulnerability to developing eating disorders. Such distressing experiences have the potential to instigate feelings of diminished self-worth, profound body shame, and a compelling desire to exert control over one's body and eating behaviors. Dieting and Weight-related Practices: Restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, and weight-focused behaviors can serve as triggers for the development of eating disorders. These behaviors may start innocently as an attempt to improve one's health or appearance but can spiral into disordered eating patterns.

Psychotherapy: Various forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family-based therapy (FBT), are employed to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to eating disorders. These therapies aim to challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs about body image, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve self-esteem. Nutritional Counseling: Working with registered dietitians, individuals receive personalized guidance on developing a balanced and healthy relationship with food. Nutritional counseling focuses on establishing regular eating patterns, promoting mindful eating practices, and debunking harmful dietary myths. Medical Monitoring: This involves regular check-ups to assess physical health, monitor vital signs, and address any medical complications arising from the disorder. Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage associated symptoms like depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Medications can complement therapy and help stabilize mood, regulate eating patterns, or address co-occurring mental health conditions. Support Groups and Peer Support: Joining support groups or engaging in peer support programs can provide individuals with a sense of community and understanding. Interacting with others who have faced similar challenges can offer valuable insights, encouragement, and empathy.

Films: Movies like "To the Bone" (2017) and "Feed" (2017) shed light on the struggles individuals with eating disorders face. These films delve into the psychological and emotional aspects of the disorders, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and promoting recovery. Books: Novels such as "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson and "Paperweight" by Meg Haston offer intimate perspectives on the experiences of characters grappling with eating disorders. These books provide insights into the complexities of these conditions, including the internal battles, societal pressures, and the journey towards healing. Documentaries: Documentaries like "Thin" (2006) and "Eating Disorders: Surviving the Silence" (2019) offer real-life accounts of individuals living with eating disorders. These documentaries provide a raw and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by those affected, raising awareness and encouraging empathy.

1. As per the data provided by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), it is estimated that around 30 million individuals residing in the United States will experience an eating disorder during their lifetime. 2. Research suggests that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Anorexia nervosa, in particular, has a mortality rate of around 10%, emphasizing the seriousness and potential life-threatening nature of these disorders. 3. Eating disorders can affect individuals of all genders and ages, contrary to the common misconception that they only affect young women. While young women are more commonly affected, studies indicate that eating disorders are increasingly prevalent among men and can also occur in older adults and children.

The topic of eating disorders is of significant importance when it comes to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and addressing the challenges faced by individuals who experience these disorders. Writing an essay on this topic allows for a deeper exploration of the complexities surrounding eating disorders and their impact on individuals, families, and society. First and foremost, studying eating disorders is crucial for shedding light on the psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of these conditions. By delving into the underlying causes, risk factors, and symptoms, we can gain a better understanding of the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Furthermore, discussing eating disorders helps to challenge societal misconceptions and stereotypes. It allows us to debunk harmful beliefs, such as the notion that eating disorders only affect a specific gender or age group, and instead emphasizes the reality that anyone can be susceptible to these disorders. Writing an essay on eating disorders also provides an opportunity to explore the impact of media, societal pressures, and body image ideals on the development of disordered eating behaviors. By analyzing these influences, we can advocate for more inclusive and body-positive narratives that promote self-acceptance and well-being. Moreover, addressing the topic of eating disorders is crucial for raising awareness about the available treatment options and support systems. It highlights the importance of early intervention, comprehensive treatment approaches, and access to mental health resources for those affected by these disorders.

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. 2. Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: A meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731. 3. Brown, T. A., Keel, P. K., & Curren, A. M. (2020). Eating disorders. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual (6th ed., pp. 305-357). Guilford Press. 4. Fairburn, C. G., & Harrison, P. J. (2003). Eating disorders. The Lancet, 361(9355), 407-416. 5. Herpertz-Dahlmann, B., & Zeeck, A. (2020). Eating disorders in childhood and adolescence: Epidemiology, course, comorbidity, and outcome. In M. Maj, W. Gaebel, J. J. López-Ibor, & N. Sartorius (Eds.), Eating Disorders (Vol. 11, pp. 68-82). Wiley-Blackwell. 6. Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348-358. 7. Jacobi, C., Hayward, C., de Zwaan, M., Kraemer, H. C., & Agras, W. S. (2004). Coming to terms with risk factors for eating disorders: Application of risk terminology and suggestions for a general taxonomy. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 19-65. 8. Keski-Rahkonen, A., & Mustelin, L. (2016). Epidemiology of eating disorders in Europe: Prevalence, incidence, comorbidity, course, consequences, and risk factors. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 29(6), 340-345. 9. Smink, F. R. E., van Hoeken, D., & Hoek, H. W. (2012). Epidemiology of eating disorders: Incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. Current Psychiatry Reports, 14(4), 406-414. 10. Stice, E., Marti, C. N., & Rohde, P. (2013). Prevalence, incidence, impairment, and course of the proposed DSM-5 eating disorder diagnoses in an 8-year prospective community study of young women. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122(2), 445-457.

Relevant topics

  • Drug Addiction
  • Mental Health

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

cause and effect of anorexia essay

  • Undergraduate
  • High School
  • Architecture
  • American History
  • Asian History
  • Antique Literature
  • American Literature
  • Asian Literature
  • Classic English Literature
  • World Literature
  • Creative Writing
  • Linguistics
  • Criminal Justice
  • Legal Issues
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Political Science
  • World Affairs
  • African-American Studies
  • East European Studies
  • Latin-American Studies
  • Native-American Studies
  • West European Studies
  • Family and Consumer Science
  • Social Issues
  • Women and Gender Studies
  • Social Work
  • Natural Sciences
  • Pharmacology
  • Earth science
  • Agriculture
  • Agricultural Studies
  • Computer Science
  • IT Management
  • Mathematics
  • Investments
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Engineering
  • Aeronautics
  • Medicine and Health
  • Alternative Medicine
  • Communications and Media
  • Advertising
  • Communication Strategies
  • Public Relations
  • Educational Theories
  • Teacher's Career
  • Chicago/Turabian
  • Company Analysis
  • Education Theories
  • Shakespeare
  • Canadian Studies
  • Food Safety
  • Relation of Global Warming and Extreme Weather Condition
  • Movie Review
  • Admission Essay
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Application Essay
  • Article Critique
  • Article Review
  • Article Writing
  • Book Review
  • Business Plan
  • Business Proposal
  • Capstone Project
  • Cover Letter
  • Creative Essay
  • Dissertation
  • Dissertation - Abstract
  • Dissertation - Conclusion
  • Dissertation - Discussion
  • Dissertation - Hypothesis
  • Dissertation - Introduction
  • Dissertation - Literature
  • Dissertation - Methodology
  • Dissertation - Results
  • GCSE Coursework
  • Grant Proposal
  • Marketing Plan
  • Multiple Choice Quiz
  • Personal Statement

Power Point Presentation

  • Power Point Presentation With Speaker Notes
  • Questionnaire
  • Reaction Paper
  • Research Paper
  • Research Proposal
  • SWOT analysis
  • Thesis Paper
  • Online Quiz
  • Literature Review
  • Movie Analysis
  • Statistics problem
  • Math Problem
  • All papers examples
  • How It Works
  • Money Back Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • We Are Hiring

Eating Disorders, Essay Example

Pages: 6

Words: 1701

Hire a Writer for Custom Essay

Use 10% Off Discount: "custom10" in 1 Click 👇

You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work.

Introduction

Eating disorders affect men and women of all ages, although adolescents tend to be the age group that is more susceptible. This is because, as their bodies are changing, they may feel more pressure by society as well as peer groups to look attractive and fit in (Segal et al). Types of eating disorders include Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive Overeating, which can also be related to the first two. The reasons behind Eating Disorder usually stem from a reaction to low self-esteem and a negative means of coping with life and stress (Something Fishy).  Eating disorders are also often associated with an underlying psychological disorder, which may be the reason behind the eating disorder or which may develop from the Eating Disorder itself. Mental health disorders that are often associated with Eating Disorder include Anxiety, Depression, Multiple Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, BiPolar, BiPolar II, Borderline Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder and Dissociative Disorder. The longer a person suffers from ED, the more probable that they will be dealing with another mental illness, most likely Anxiety or Depression (Something Fishy). The eventual outcome of Eating Disorder can be deadly. “Some eating disorders are associated with a 10-15% mortality rate and a 20-25% suicide rate. Sometimes, anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating may be perceived as slow suicide (Carruthers).” In order to prevent the deadly consequences of Eating Disorder and to prevent it from becoming more pervasive in society, it is necessary to recognize the correct treatment method for this disease.  Traditional treatments have focused on providing risk information to raise awareness of the consequences of Eating Disorder (Lobera et al 263). However, since Eating Disorder is a mental illness, a more effective treatment is one that offers psychological evaluation, counseling and treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is emerging as a more robust and effective method that can be used not only to treat Eating Disorder but the associated mental illnesses that may accompany it.

The Problem

Eating disorder is pervasive in society and can have deadly consequences on those that suffer from it. Many time Eating Disorder goes undetected by family members and friends because those suffering will go to great lengths to hide their problem. However, there are some signs and symptoms that can be clues that a person is suffering from some sort of eating disorder. According to Segal, these signs can include:

  • Restricting Food or Dieting: A change in eating habits that includes restricting food or excessive dieting. The person my frequently miss meals or not eat, complaining of an upset stomach or that they are not hungry. A use of diet pills or illegal drugs may also be noticed.
  • Bingeing: Sufferers may binge eat in secret, which can be hard to detect since they will usually do it late at night or in a private place. Signs of potential bingeing are empty food packages and wrappers and hidden stashes of high calorie junk food or desserts.
  • Purging: Those who suffer from bulimia will force themselves to throw up after meals to rid their body of added calories. A sign that this is occurring is when a person makes a trip to the bathroom right after eating on a regular basis, possible running water or a fan to hide the sound of their vomiting. They may also use perfume, mouthwash or breath mints regularly to disguise the smell. In addition to vomiting, laxatives or diuretics may also be used to flush unwanted calories from the body.
  • Distorted body image and altered appearance: People suffering from Eating Disorder often have a very distorted image of their own body. While they may appear thin to others, they may view themselves as fat and attempt to hide their body under loose clothing. They will also have an obsessive preoccupation with their weight, and complain of being fat even when it is obvious to others that this is not the case.

There are several possible side effects from Eating Disorders, both physical and psychological. Physical damage can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the eating disorder and the length of time the person has been suffering from it.  Psychological consequences can be the development of a mental illness, especially depression and anxiety. Some sufferers of Eating Disorder will also develop a coping mechanism such as harming themselves, through cutting, self-mutilation or self-inflicted violence, or SIV (Something Fishy).

Physical consequences of Eating Disorders depend on the type of eating disorder that the person has. Anorexia nervosa can lead to a slow heart rate and low blood pressure, putting the sufferer at risk for heart failure and permanent heart damage. Malnutrition can lead to osteoporosis and dry, brittle bones. Other common complications include kidney damage due to dehydration, overall weakness, hair loss and dry skin. Bulimia nervosa, where the person constantly purges through vomiting, can have similar consequences as Anorexia but with added complications and damage to the esophagus and gastric cavity due to the frequent vomiting. In addition, tooth decay can occur because of damage caused by gastric juices. If the person also uses laxatives to purge, irregular bowel movements and constipation can occur. Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis can also common negative heath effects (National Eating Disorders Association).  If the Eating Disorder goes on for a prolonged time period, death is also a possible affect, which is why it is important to seek treatment for the individual as soon as it is determined that they are suffering from an Eating Disorder.

Once it is recognized that a loved one may be suffering from an Eating Disorder, the next step is coming up with an effective intervention in time to prevent any lasting physical damage or death. The most effective treatment to date is Cognitive-behavioral therapy, an active form of counseling that can be done in either a group or private setting (Curtis). Cognitive-behavioral therapy is used to help correct poor eating habits and prevent relapse as well as change the way the individual thinks about food, eating and their body image (Curtis).

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered to be one of the most effective treatments for eating disorders, but of course this depends on both the counselor administrating the therapy and the attitude of the person receiving it.  According to Fairburn (3), while patients with eating disorders “have a reputation for being difficult to treat, the great majority can be helped and many, if not most, can make a full and lasting recovery.” In the study conducted by Lobera et al, it was determined that students that took part in group cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions showed a reduced dissatisfaction with their body and a reduction in their drive to thinness. Self esteem was also improved during the group therapy sessions and eating habits were significantly improved.

“The overall effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy can depend on the duration of the sessions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered effective for the treatment of eating disorders. But because eating disorder behaviors can endure for a long period of time, ongoing psychological treatment is usually required for at least a year and may be needed for several years (Curtis).”

  Alternative solutions

Traditional treatments for Eating Disorders rely on educating potential sufferers, especially school aged children, of the potential damage, both psychological and physical, that can be caused by the various eating disorders .

“ Research conducted to date into the primary prevention of eating disorders (ED) has mainly considered the provision of information regarding risk factors. Consequently, there is a need to develop new methods that go a step further, promoting a change in attitudes and behavior in the  target population (Lobera et al).”

The current research has not shown that passive techniques, such as providing information, reduces the prevalence of eating disorders or improves the condition in existing patients. While education about eating disorders, the signs and symptoms and the potential health affects, is an important part of providing information to both the those that may know someone who is suffering from an eating disorder and those that are suffering from one, it is not an effective treatment by itself. It must be integrated with a deeper level of therapy that helps to improve the self-esteem and psychological issues from which the eating disorder stems.

Hospitalization has also been a treatment for those suffering from an eating disorder, especially when a complication, such as kidney failure or extreme weakness, occurs. However, treating the symptom of the eating disorder will not treat the underlying problem. Hospitalization can effectively treat the symptom only when it is combined with a psychological therapy that treats the underlying psychological problem that is causing the physical health problem.

Effectively treating eating disorders is possible using cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, the sooner a person who is suffering from an eating disorder begins treatment the more effective the treatment is likely to be. The longer a person suffers from an eating disorder, the more problems that may arise because of it, both physically and psychologically. While the deeper underlying issue may differ from patient to patient, it must be addressed in order for an eating disorder treatment to be effective. If not, the eating disorder is likely to continue. By becoming better educated about the underlying mental health issues that are typically the cause of eating disorder, both family members and friends of loved ones suffering from eating disorders and the sufferers themselves can take the steps necessary to overcome Eating Disorder and begin the road to recovery.

Works Cited

“Associated Mental Health Conditions and Addictions.” Something Fishy, 2010. Web. 19 November2010.

Carruthers, Martyn. Who Has Eating Disorders?   Soulwork Solutions, 2010. Web. 19 November 2010.

Curtis, Jeanette. “Cognitive-behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders.” WebMD (September 16, 2009). Web. 19 November 2010.

Fairburn, Christopher G. Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders. New York: The Guilford Press, 2008. Print.  

“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders” National Eating Disorders Association (2005). Web. 21 November 2010.

Lobera, I.J., Lozano, P.L., Rios, P.B., Candau, J.R., Villar y Lebreros, Gregorio Sanchez, Millan, M.T.M., Gonzalez, M.T.M., Martin, L.A., Villalobos, I.J. and Sanchez, N.V. “Traditional and New Strategies in the Primary Prevention of Eating Disorders: A Comparative Study in Spanish Adolescents.” International Journal of General Medicine 3  (October 5, 2010): 263-272. Dovepress.Web. 19 November 2010.

Segal, Jeanne, Smith, Melinda, Barston, Suzanne. Helping Someone with an Eating Disorder: Advice for Parents, Family Members and Friends , 2010. Web. 19 November 2010.

Stuck with your Essay?

Get in touch with one of our experts for instant help!

American Liberty, Outline Example

Israeli Political Parties, Power Point Presentation Example

Time is precious

don’t waste it!

Plagiarism-free guarantee

Privacy guarantee

Secure checkout

Money back guarantee

E-book

Related Essay Samples & Examples

Voting as a civic responsibility, essay example.

Pages: 1

Words: 287

Utilitarianism and Its Applications, Essay Example

Words: 356

The Age-Related Changes of the Older Person, Essay Example

Pages: 2

Words: 448

The Problems ESOL Teachers Face, Essay Example

Pages: 8

Words: 2293

Should English Be the Primary Language? Essay Example

Pages: 4

Words: 999

The Term “Social Construction of Reality”, Essay Example

Words: 371

Anorexia - List of Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body shape. Essays on anorexia could delve into the prevalence, causes, and psychological, social, and physical impacts of this eating disorder. Discussions might also cover the treatments, the portrayal of body image in media, and the societal pressures contributing to anorexia. Analyzing the support systems, recovery narratives, and the ongoing research can provide a holistic understanding of anorexia nervosa and its profound impact on individuals and society. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Anorexia you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Effects of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is one of the most commonly known eating disorder. It can occur in women and men including adults, kids, and teenagers. Anorexia is a ""mental disorder that is caused by the unsound terror of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa is an ""emotional disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing food, commonly known as anorexia. Experts believe anorexia is caused by ""personality, genetics, environment, biochemistry, and overall emotional health. There are many horrific effects of anorexia […]

Anorexia Nervosa is a very Serious Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa is classified as an eating disorder and a disease where individuals go through extreme measures to lose weight such as excessive workouts or extreme food diets in hopes to change their perspective on themselves. Individuals that embody this disease have a distorted body image of oneself and will still feel fat even after taking drastic measures to lose weight. These individuals think poorly and see themselves as overweight even if the individual is underweight. This has a lot […]

Eating Disorder is a Growing Problem in Modern Society

There are many misconceptions about eating disorders. One that stuck out to me is that people believe that eating disorders are a choice. Eating disorders arise from part of a person's genetic makeup and due to environmental factors. ( 'Eating Disorder Myths.') Their are many studies out their that help prove that eating disorders are often influenced by a person’s genes. Twin studies are useful in proving that eating disorders can be a family affair. ('Understanding Eating Disorders, Anorexia, Bulimia, […]

We will write an essay sample crafted to your needs.

Cause and Effect of Anorexia

The first time i ever heard about anorexia was from Degrassi: Next Generation. A character named Emma was trying to lose weight so she would barely eat and sometimes would make herself throw up. Being young I never really understood Anorexia, and the causes and how it can affect your body. According to experts, Anorexia Nervosa occurs in about 1 in 100 to 200 young women. Anorexia is an eating disorder that is also known as self starvation. It can […]

The Real Skinny on Anorexia a Merciless Battle with the Mirror

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) (2018), at least 30,000,000 people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder at any given time in the United States. Of those 30,000,000, at least one person dies every 62 minutes as a direct result of their disorder. Most often, eating disorders affect women between the ages of 12 and 35. Compared to all other mental illnesses, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate (National […]

The Thin Documentary Analysis: Eating Disorder

Thin documentary is a film that follows four women at the Renfrew facility in Florida who are undergoing treatment for eating disorders. These women include Polly, Shelly, Brittany, and Alisa who range from 15 to 30 years old. The film follows them as they interact with their therapists, nurses, staff, other patients and with one another. Indeed, the documentary exploration regarding the struggles these anorexic women face in this institution in their attempt to improve and live a positive life. […]

Anorexia Nervosa: Literature Review

Anorexia nervosa, or better known as anorexia, is an eating disorder with which countless women and men battle every day, with worldwide prevalence. Anorexia is considered to be a psychiatric illness, which has long term effects on those who suffer from it, both psychologically and physically. The etiology of anorexia is multifactorial with genetic, biological, environmental, psychological and sociocultural influences. There are many different models of intervention to treat anorexia, which are each met with different measures of success. Social […]

Anorexia Nervosa: Serious Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa is a very serious eating disorder that many people suffer from. People with Anorexia Nervosa go days without eating. People who suffer from Anorexia Nervosa have an intense fear of gaining weight. “The core psychological feature of anorexia nervosa is extreme overation of shape and weight”(“Anorexia”1). Even the people who suffer from Anorexia are very thin they still fear gaining weight. ¨The word ¨Anorexia¨ literally means ¨loss of appetite¨ (Watson, 7). Anorexia Nervosa is a coping mechanism for […]

Is there too Much Pressure on Females to have Perfect Bodies?

Have you ever felt insecure? It is very common for women in this society to feel that way.  It’s like everywhere you look there is pressure to look better or be skinny. Everything you do is being judged. Women are portrayed as fragile and delicate, but that is not always the case. Women are thriving in this generation and breaking down barriers of the norm. A big problem in society today that makes women feel insecure is advertising. Certain clothin […]

Anorexia: a Mental Disorder

Mental disorders are something that can be found in any human. One of the deadliest mental illnesses is anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is defined as a serious eating disorder that is characterized primarily by a pathological fear of weight gain leading to faulty eating patterns, malnutrition, and usually excessive weight loss. It has a higher mortality rate than any other mental illness. This disease affects people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientation, and ethnicities. One in 200 American women […]

Anorexia: Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors

The deadliest psychological disorder that has been studied is Anorexia Nervosa. This illness dates back to St. Catherine of Sienna in the 13th century and was originally considered a "wasting" disease. Mid-20th-century research by Hilde Bruch brought awareness to eating disorders, especially Anorexia Nervosa. Anorexia is rare but has the highest mortality rate of all psychological disorders and has high comorbidity with several other disorders like depression and anxiety. This disorder distorts how patients view their appearance, leading them to […]

Impact Media on Eating Disorders

With all of our current understanding so far we can see how much of an impact media has on triggering eating disorders. Research has only just begun to analyze the relationship between social media outlets such as facebook, body image and symptoms of eating disorders. Facebook is available at the fingertips of most adolescents today which allows them easy access to seek social comparison and negative feedback. Therefore it is an essential area to examine in relation to eating disordered […]

Anorexia and Bulimia

Introduction Anorexia and Bulimia are server disorders that is mostly found in girls. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorders, with an estimated 56 times more likely to commit suicide then those who do not suffer from anorexia (Tabitha Farrar, 2014). Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of anorexia is very important, if recognized early treatment can be started quickly to better help these individuals sooner. Warning Signs Anorexia has many warning signs some of […]

Anorexia Nervosa: Common, Widespread Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa is a very common, widespread eating disorder that affects individuals psychologically, emotionally, and physically. Those suffering from this eating disorder are commonly suffering from extremely low self-esteem and body weight. Individuals struggling with Anorexia typically fear to gain weight and are always conscious of what they are eating. They perceive their body as a distorted image, instead of viewing reality. Anorexia victims fear their body image as disproportional to their height and weight. An introduction to this disorder […]

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia is described by a distorted body figure, with a fear of being overweight or may some call it obese. Anorexia is commonly associated with women. Many signs of anorexia include low blood pressure problems, low electrolyte levels and being cold. Many tend to become binge eaters and have very bad behavior issues. Also people with anorexia tend to be excessive exercisers with lots of energy, have urges to feel unwanted and or left out. How does one find out […]

Anorexia Journal Article

Reading the journal article, it was apparent that the authors main purpose of this journal is the finding of a link between weight overestimation and disordered eating behaviors among normal weight women (Conley &Boardmen,2007).The authors go on further explaining how there is little to no research done with associating normal weight women and their possibility with acquiring an eating disorder because of how they might overestimate their weight and might be at risk of developing anorexia nervosa. The key concepts […]

Types of Eating Disorders and Treatments

Feeding and eating disorder affects more than 13% of men and woman coming from western countries (Reichenberg & Seligman, 2016). Out of that portion of the population, only about 40%-60% of those affected are said to be in remission from their disorder (Reichenberg & Seligman, 2016). There are many factors that come into play that contribute to the onset of such disorders including, family history, peer dieting, concepts of an ideal body, and some cultural considerations (Reichenberg & Seligman, 2016). […]

Negative Consequences of the Anorexia Fashion Research Argument Project

While Fashion Week is around the corner, the featured ""double zero sized models begin to prepare for the event by depriving themselves of all things indulgent to be as thin as possible. Fashion Week is an event where professionals from the fashion industry come together (usually in New York) twice a year to promote and display their latest creations of the season in a runway fashion show to buyers and the media. Models purge themselves in order to achieve this […]

Experience of Women who have Survived Anorexia

Anorexia is most commonly known as a fear of food and fear of getting fat. It usually begins in girls and women when they are young, often during adolescence or early adulthood. Some women I've mentioned in my essay will testify to their experience with anorexia. In my research, I found that much of adolescent and young adult anorexia can be attributed to social media and peer pressure at school. Social media can make women feel inadequate within just thirty […]

Anorexia is Primarily a Disease of the Nervous System

Eating disorder is a chronic clinical mental disorder that disrupts the psychological and social development of young people. Throughout research, it has been proven that face-to-face therapy is a better treatment than group treatments. Family-based treatment is a very effective treatment for teenagers who have anorexia. For family-based treatments, it has been proven that it is better for the parents to watch what their children are eating instead of having more multi-family settings. Another approach that has been studied is […]

Eating Disorders Anorexia

"Abraham, Suzanne, and Derek Llewellyn-Jones. ""Bulimia Nervosa.""Palla, Barbara, and Iris F. Litt. ""Medical Complications Of Eating DisordersIn Adolescents."" Medical Complications occur with eating disorders take place inanyones life. Adolescents being at such a young age if medical complications occur can affect them when they are older as well. For example, bulimia nervosa can mess with a young women's menstrual cycle and when they get older, they might not be able to have kids. This article will help when informing adolescents […]

Relationship between Depressive Disorder and Eating Disorder

Abstract Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder characterized by intense and persistent feelings of melancholy and disinterest in regular activities for an extended period of time. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a type of eating disorder categorized by significant weight loss, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of how one views their body shape or weight. These disorders frequently co occur with one another, in fact, according to a study posted on the National Eating […]

Anorexia Nervosa Eating Disorder

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder, characterized by the refusal of an emaciated individual to maintain a normal body weight (CITATION ENCYCLOPEDIA). More specifically, its diagnosis is based on three distinct criteria presented by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5): First, consistent restriction of energy consumption resulting in a relatively low body weight must occur. Second, there is an irrational fear of weight gain. Finally, there is […]

Influences that Can Cause Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is a psychological eating disorder that is the fear of gaining weight. People that suffer from anorexia eat very little food, which can then lead to starvation, or even death. There are many things that can influence anorexia, such as bullying, social media, stress, traumatic life events, and even low self-esteem. These things don't cause anorexia, but they are some of the strong contributing factors. Bullying Most people start to get bullied about their weight and size at […]

Anorexia Nervosa: Hunger and Satiety

Anorexia Nervosa is defined as a lack of appetite. It is a state of mind that makes the person affected believe that they are too fat and must lose as much weight as possible. ""People with anorexia generally restrict the number of calories, and the types of food they eat. Some people with the disorder also exercise compulsively, purge via vomiting and laxatives, and/or binge eat. (www.nationaleatingdisorders.org). It is a heart-breaking disorder and has affected millions of people every year […]

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Treatment for Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa

Abstract The purpose of this study was to help treat patients with the illnesses of anorexia and bulimia nervosa and report their remission and relapse rates with a method of treatment in a randomized controlled trial. These eating disorders are major health problems that occur mostly in young women. Anorexia is when a person eats only small amounts of food while losing body weight, whereas bulimia is when a person eats large amounts of food and vomits immediately after to […]

Eating Disorder: Specific Model of Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Going off of these findings, Rieger et al. (2010) came up with an eating disorder-specific model of interpersonal psychotherapy. Due to the significance of social relevance in eating disorders, Rieger et al. laid out factors that played an important role in the development and maintenance of eating disorders. For example, a 2010 study of 208 patients who were diagnosed with AN or bulimia were assessed for interpersonal issues pre- and post-hospitalization. Eating pathology, symptom severity, and interpersonal patterns were examined. […]

Anorexia Nervosa: Abnormally Low Body Weight and Fear of Gaining Weight

""Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that has abnormally low body weight and fear of gaining weight. People with anorexia care about what others think of them. Society plays a key role to people who have anorexia because; they put very thin people on the cover of magazines and advertisement. This causes individuals with anorexia to feel, un-pretty, rejected, and fat. This is all based on what the media puts out to the world. (works cited: 1). ""People with anorexia […]

Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia

Introduction Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia are serious disorders among our adolescent girls. According to the eating disorder hope website Anorexia has the highest mobility rate out of all mental disorders, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms (Hamilton, 2018) so these girls can get the treatment they need. Warning Signs There are many warning signs to Anorexia and Bulimia. According to Nicole Williamson PhD at the Tampa General seminar, (May8, 2018) People with Anorexia might dress in layers, […]

The Movie Desperately Hungry Housewives Portrays the Struggles of Dieting and Anorexia

In the documentary, "Desperately Hungry Housewives," four women grapple with varying severities of dietary problems. Through a first-person perspective, they share their daily life and treatment options. These women provide a credible insight into the experience of handling dietary disorders in Britain as modern housewives. Besides showing how they managed their disorders, they also revealed the effect of these disorders on their children and how their families perceive the women themselves. Despite a lack of statistical data in the film, […]

Additional Example Essays

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Illnesses
  • How do Video Games affect the Mental Health of Young Adults
  • Social Media: Depression 
  • House Taken Over by Julio Cortaza
  • Letter From Birmingham Jail Rhetorical Analysis
  • Shakespeare's Hamlet Character Analysis
  • Followership and Servant Leadership
  • The Mental Health Stigma
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Analysis of "Up From Slavery" by Booker T. Washington
  • The Psychology of Batman
  • A Compare and Contrast Essay on Two Movies 'Inception' and 'The Matrix: Parallel Worlds and Diverging Realities

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

EssaysForStudent.com - Free Essays, Term Papers & Book Notes

  • / Miscellaneous

The Causes and Effects of Anorexia

By: Monika   •  Essay  •  682 Words  •  November 21, 2009  •  1,462 Views

Essay title: The Causes and Effects of Anorexia

When I think of anorexia, a few things come to mind. I think of really bad episodes of Beverly Hills 90210 and Baywatch in which females, usually

teenagers, starve themselves and take diet pills. The eating problem is always resolved within the timespan of one 30 minute episode. From the research I've done thus far on anorexia, I now know that this is a very unrealistic representation of what is actually a very serious disease.

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, I have done extensive research on the causes and effects of anorexia. Secondly, I will produce a survey that asks basic questions about anorexia. I will give these to young adults from the ages of 15 to 35. This will serve as my means to find out just how much people of that certain age group know about the potentially deadly disease of anorexia. This research is not only to inform myself about anorexia, but also to inform myself about the knowledge or lack thereof that young people have about the disease.

Most people believe that anorexia is mainly a young females' disease. This is not necessarily true. In fact, studies within the past few years show that male anorexia is about as widespread as in females. In actuality, 80 percent of the people diagnosed with anorexia over the age of 45 are males(Heywood, 1996). Other misconceptions are that anorexia is only common with younger people and that anorexia is not a real disease at all, just a staple of obsessive teenage girls.

Another widespread misconception about the disease of anorexia is that it is a new disease. Actually, doctors say that anorexia has its roots centuries ago. Through different time periods, people have fasted for a number of reasons, they say. People fasted in Biblical times to pay reverence to God or just to exercise self-discipline. Anorexia has been around almost as long as man.(Deth and Vandereycken, 1990)

Basically, anorexia is spread as easily as any other disease. The disease in itself is not contageous, of course; it is spread through society and the media. For example, what is known as the "Barbie doll syndrome" is the main cause of such a mental disease. People starve themselves so that their bodies will match their fashion role models. One strong example of this is the "waif" look that came into mainstream fashion a

Free Samples and Examples of Essays, Homeworks and any Papers

  • Absolutely free
  • Perfect homeworks
  • Fast relevant search
  • No registration and Anonymous

CAUSE AND EFFECT OF ANOREXİA

Filed Under: Essays

We live in 21 century.in this century people want to be abide by professionalism that means people want to be perfect with everything for example, we want to have slim and fit body but people who want to have perfect body ,especially teenagers prefer to achieve that different in a way. They starve themselves, they think that it s best way to lose weight and be beautiful. There are many men and women suffering from all types of eating disorders that do not appear in any specific weight range. It s like a disease and name is anorexia. Anorexia the one of the weirdest disease in 21th century. the purpose of this essay is explain to what are the causes and effects of anorexia.

First of all,I m going to explain causes of anorexia.there are many causes of anorexia and the biggest cause is influence of the media on spread of eating disorders such as anorexia.no wonder,nowdays almost everybody has a tv and no one refuse that tv influences us badly for instance there are many beauty such as super model ,actors, singer and rock star.the weird thing is that they look like flawless so they look don’t have any body problems. the most of teenagers who spend their time in front of tv are influenced badly because actors ,singer or e.t. always look good. they are beautiful because of slim and thinner so teenagers think that if you are slim and thinner that means you are beautiful and look good .another cause of anorexia is cultural pressure that influences teenagers especially young girls, because the girls are known that always want to be beautiful. nowadays, every teenagers are part of a group so they have classmate, neighbour ,relatives and e.t. for instance you are part of a popular girl group and the members of these group always want to look beautiful and also you could want to be beautiful then you might try to eat less than your body needs because you think that only tinner peope may be beautiful and this effort can be turn to a psychology illness.when you look to the mirror, you would see fat person who wants to try to beautiful.

The Essay on Anorexia Duke Body Buffalo

Anorexia Have you ever seen people constantly playing with their food? One might think they have a stomach problem or are not interested in food. Actually, they might be hiding the symptoms of a disease which affects millions of Americans. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders says that there is an estimated 7 million females and 1 million males who suffer with this ...

And also there are many effect of anorexia, many people thing that anorexia is basically a harmless thing and also only teenagers just want to be thin, but it is actually more than that. Basically, Anorexia is the process of starving yourself to death.and the effects of the disease as the person is starving can be quite painful to endure so that’s the result of anorexia.if I give example, the person suffering form anorexia is a young girls who have low self esteem so how do they endure this pain? they have an unrealistic image of themselves and are trying to become something they believe is beautiful.on the other hand, anorexia damages our body because during this disease, you are starving yourself so you cannot get plenty of energy and lack of essential requirements and nutrients tax the entire body and can result in important illness such as low blood potassium and low blood sodium and those can cause irregular heartbeats and even heart attacks.

In conclusion, I explained what cause and effect of anorexia and people especially teenagers suffer from many different eating disorders because of being beautiful and unfortunately this makes them have many psychology illness such as have low self esteem and social deviance at the same time makes them have physical diseases such as low creativity and heart disease.

Similar Papers

Anorexia causes and effects.

... such a mental disease. People starve themselves so that their bodies will match ... effects of anorexia. Secondly, I will produce a survey that asks basic questions about anorexia. ... in which females, usually teenagers, starve themselves and take diet ...

Pulmonary Tuberculosis Disease Infection People

... neck, . Leukemia or Hodgkin's disease, . Severe kidney disease, . Low body weight, . Malnutrition, .Alcoholism, ... cause symptoms like anorexia, diminished respiratory ... in temperature. Other effects such as ... risk. The disease strikes people during their ...

Body Modification Piercing People Art

... many average, even above-average, teenagers who practice body art. According to an ... Drevitch (2001) discusses the negative effects of bad technique and unsanitary instruments. ... Quarterly. In this survey, 362 people who were getting nipple piercings ...

Illustrate How The Way People Influenced By Superstitious Belief

Illustrate How The Way People Influenced By Superstitious Belief As we all approaching ... belief nowadays. People attitude, daily chores, and religions are influenced by the superstitious belief. Superstitious belief influences the Chinese ...

Negative Effects Of Alcohol On People

... use are only two of the adverse effects of alcohol us on people. People, unfortunately, keep ignoring the warnings made by ... that extreme use of alcohol brings about seriously adverse effects on people such as lack of concentration and tendency to ...

Indigenous People Influenced Greatly The Way Latin America Developed Among

Indigenous people influenced greatly the way Latin ... culture and customs had great influence on people. Even nowadays indigenous people make up a large and ... as Maya, Arawaks and Mapuche. Maya indigenous people occupied an area comprising the Yucatn ...

cause and effect of anorexia essay

  • Save your essays here so you can locate them quickly!
  • Eating Disorders
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder
  • Bulimia Nervosa
  • Maudsley Family Therapy

"Anorexia Cause And Effect" Bibliography 5 Pages 1188 Words

             Anorexia is a condition that affects every part of you, your body, and your mind. In the world that we live in, where on every magazine cover, every tv show, and even in your home room, you see beautiful, skinny girls that seem to have everything they want. They seem to be popular, always happy, and have the perfect body. Many girls that are just beginning to go through adolescence feel that to be these perfect girls, they have to be skinny. They turn to anorexia. Anorexia is a serious eating disorder, in which girls have an intense fear of becoming fat. Anorexics have a refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height. Their weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight is below 20% of the expected body weight of healthy individuals at the same age and height. Some anorexics have a distorted body image of themselves, leading them to believe they are fat, even if they are seriously underweight. The physical signs that can be seen or felt are dramatic weight loss in a relatively short period of time, skeletal look, sunken eyes, dry, yellow, or grey skin, thinning hair, hair growth on arms, legs and other body parts in effort to keep heat in, loss of body muscle and fat, dizziness and headaches, complaints of often feeling cold, fainting spells, inability to sleep, exhaustion, and their period stopping or never starting The psychological characteristics of anorexics may include an obsession with weight and complaining of weight problems, obsession with continuous exercise, visible food restriction and self-starvation, isolation and fear of eating around and with others, self- defeating statements after food consumption, low self-esteem, needing acceptance from others, perfectionistic personality, mood swings, and depression. Unseen dangers of an anorexic are a shrunken heart with an irregular beat, low body temperature, brittle bones, low blood pressure, slower pulse, and stunted growth. Self-              ...

Continue reading this essay Continue reading

Page 1 of 5

More Essays:

Customer Reviews

Live chat online

Essay Help Services – Sharing Educational Integrity

Hire an expert from our writing services to learn from and ace your next task. We are your one-stop-shop for academic success.

cause and effect of anorexia essay

Viola V. Madsen

Allene W. Leflore

Need an essay writer for me? Connect now!

Feeling tired to write drafts on your own or you do not have ample ideas to write with? Be it anything, our writers are here to assist you with the best essay writing service. With our service, you will save a lot of time and get recognition for the academic assignments you are given to write. This will give you ample time to relax as well. Let our experts write for you. With their years of experience in this domain and the knowledge from higher levels of education, the experts can do brilliant essay writing even with strict deadlines. They will get you remarkable remarks on the standard of the academic draft that you will write with us.

Alexander Freeman

cause and effect of anorexia essay

Standard essay helper

COMMENTS

  1. Anorexia nervosa

    Anorexia (an-o-REK-see-uh) nervosa — often simply called anorexia — is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight. People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, using extreme efforts that tend to significantly ...

  2. What Are the Causes of Anorexia Nervosa?

    activate behaviors related to anorexia. get in the way of healing and recovery. In addition, the following factors can be linked to the cause of anorexia: genetics. brain chemistry. family ...

  3. Anorexia as Eating Disorder

    Abstract. Significant amount of time has been dedicated by researchers in the study of anorexia, an eating disorder. Nonetheless, extensive data that is so far available has not been fully utilized towards combating this disorder. It is against this background that the number of anorexia patients across the world has continued to raise thereby ...

  4. Cause and Effect of Anorexia

    Anorexia causes anemia, which is when the body does not have enough red blood cells, and other blood problems. Anorexics muscles become weak, skin gets dry, bruises easily, and turns yellow. Also kidney failure is possible due to severe dehydration. The most dangerous health problem due to anorexia is the effect of the heart.

  5. Analytical Essay on Eating Disorders: Causes and Effects

    Analytical Essay on Eating Disorders: Causes and Effects. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. In modern times, it is commonly believed that eating disorders are a trend or a lifestyle choice. However, as defined by Ranna Parekh (2017 ...

  6. Cause And Effect Essay On Anorexia

    Eating disorders are usually developed in adolescent or childhood years when a person is influenced the most. Also "Eating disorders are psychological conditions that involve overeating, voluntary starvation, or both. Anorexia nervosa, anorexic bulimia, and binge eating are the most well-known types of eating disorders" (Ross-Flanigan 1).

  7. Anorexia Essay: Structure, Topics, Outline to Write a Perfect Paper

    Cause and Effect Essay on Anorexia. The health of young people as a new generation is probably the most discussed topic in different areas such as psychology or medicine. Anorexia can be the root of many problems and raise some critical questions: What can difficulties with nutrition entail?

  8. Essay on Cause and Effect of Anorexia

    Anorexia causes serious health complications as weight loss and starvation progress. Starvation affects all areas of the anorexic body, including the heart. Mortality rate from anorexia are high. If anorexia nervosa damages the heart enough, ancrexics can develop an irregular heartbeat (15). In addition, other effects of. Get Access. Free Essay ...

  9. Eating Disorders: A Session with Sufferers of Obesity and Anorexia

    This cause and effect essay, "Eating Disorders: A Session With Sufferers of Obesity and Anorexia" is published exclusively on IvyPanda's free essay examples database. You can use it for research and reference purposes to write your own paper. However, you must cite it accordingly.

  10. The Cause and Effects of Anorexia

    The Cause and Effects of Anorexia Anorexia nervosa, commonly referred to simply as anorexia, is one type of eating disorder. More importantly, it is also a psychological disorder. Anorexia is a condition that goes beyond out-of-control dieting. A person with anorexia often initially begins dieting to lose weight.

  11. Essay Examples on Eating Disorders

    2 pages / 809 words. Eating Disorders (EDs) are serious clinical conditions associated with persistent eating behaviour that adversely affects your health, emotions, and ability to function in important areas of life. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa.

  12. The Causes and Effects of Anorexia Free Essay Example

    Anorexia was discovered, but did not have recorded symptoms until the late 1800's (Brunch). For example, Mary Queen of Scotts had a case of anorexia nervosa in her lifetime (Geer). Anorexia has many causes and effects and it affects many people. The Causes of Anorexia. To begin with, anorexia has many causes.

  13. Eating Disorders, Essay Example

    Eating disorders affect men and women of all ages, although adolescents tend to be the age group that is more susceptible. This is because, as their bodies are changing, they may feel more pressure by society as well as peer groups to look attractive and fit in (Segal et al). Types of eating disorders include Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive ...

  14. Causes And Effects Of Anorexia

    Serotonin is a chemical produced in the brain. Having too much of serotonin could lead to acute stress and anxiety. Also, women who get anorexia could have modified levels of dopamine in their brain. Dopamine can cause hyperactivity, repetition of behaviour, and anhedonia. The environmental factors include peer pressure or being bullied, a ...

  15. Anorexia Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

    33 essay samples found. Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body shape. Essays on anorexia could delve into the prevalence, causes, and psychological, social, and physical impacts of this eating disorder.

  16. The Causes and Effects of Anorexia

    Anorexia and other eating disorders are long-term illnesses that are caused by an obsession of a certain body type, a certain image, and/or dieting. It usually leads to mental illness, like depression. This is a huge problem for teenage girls in the U.S.…. 617 Words.

  17. Cause and Effect of Anorexia

    Anorexia causes loss of muscle mass. The heart is a major muscle and cannot properly function because of the weakened condition. Pulse and breathing rates can drop and this can eventually lead to death if not treated. Osteoporosis is another serious effect of anorexia nervosa. This is often a result of amenorrhea.

  18. The Causes and Effects of Anorexia

    First, I have done extensive research on the causes and effects of anorexia. Secondly, I will produce a survey that asks basic questions about anorexia. I will give these to young adults from the ages of 15 to 35.

  19. CAUSE AND EFFECT OF ANOREXİA, Sample of Essays

    There are many men and women suffering from all types of eating disorders that do not appear in any specific weight range. It s like a disease and name is anorexia. Anorexia the one of the weirdest disease in 21th century. the purpose of this essay is explain to what are the causes and effects of anorexia.

  20. "Anorexia Cause And Effect" essays

    Anorexia is a serious eating disorder, in which girls have an intense fear of becoming fat. Anorexics have a refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height. Their weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight is below 20% of the expected body weight of healthy individuals at the same age and height.

  21. Causes And Effects Of Anorexia Essay

    The second you place your "write an essay for me" request, numerous writers will be bidding on your work. It is up to you to choose the right specialist for your task. Make an educated choice by reading their bios, analyzing their order stats, and looking over their reviews. Our essay writers are required to identify their areas of interest so ...

  22. Cause And Effect Essay Of Anorexia

    Adam Dobrinich. Your Price: .40 per page. We suggest our customers use the original top-level work we provide as a study aid and not as final papers to be submitted in class. Order your custom work and get straight A's. Earl M. Kinkade.