UH Today is produced by seniors in the Journalism program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

 
 

When thin isn't in - a look into anorexia

By Sarah Pacheco    

Why anyone would intentionally starve themselves to the point of death is beyond the mental grasp of most people.  But for the 2.5 million Americans who suffer from the disease anorexia nervosa, not eating is a way of survival. 

“I just thought that not eating a lot of food would help me lose weight faster,” a 20-year-old University of Hawai`i student said.  “That way I’d be skinnier and, in turn, be healthier faster.”

This student, who first began battling anorexia at the age of 11, contributes to the 86 percent of female college students and 10 to 15 percent of male college students who reported to The College Response National Eating Disorder Screening Program (NEDSP) that they have suffered from an eating disorder.

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia is “characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss,” according to the National Eating Disorders Association.  A person with anorexia may exhibit signs to the outside world such as:

  • Sudden, dramatic weight loss
  • An obsession with body weight and body image
  • Counting calories or monitoring food portions
  • Not eating in public
  • Severe mood swings
  • And excessively exercising, despite bad weather or illness.
  • Many theories have arisen about how and why people become anorexic.  According to Peg Tyre’s Dec. 5, 2005 Newsweek article, “No One to Blame,” recent studies by doctors show that anorexia is a disease triggered by the environment but is essentially rooted in genes and brain chemistry.


Dying to be Slim 

“I became obsessed with how many calories went into my body,” the UHM student stated.  “For about three months, I’d only eat around 200 calories a day.  But I exercised constantly; I’d exercise instead of showering or sleeping.  I even stopped brushing my teeth for a while because I was terrified the toothpaste might contain even the tiniest amount of calories!”

Tyre wrote that because the body is deprived of essential calories, vitamins and minerals, “the body cannibalizes itself for energy, first burning its fat stores, then turning to muscle and eventually its own organs.”
Ten percent of those who have anorexia die, making this a disease that has the highest death rate of any mental health condition, Tyre reported.  About 50 percent of anorexics beat the illness, but 40 percent continually struggle with recovery.    

 “It’s been almost 10 years since I realized I had anorexia and did something to stop it,” the student said.  “I still sometimes find myself slipping back into old habits, like only eating one meal a day out of fear of getting fat.  I know I’ll keep battling this disease for a long time, maybe forever.  But I also know I don’t want to be a sad statistic that lost her battle.”

Fighting Back

Psychotherapy, medication and family or individual therapy can help those with anorexia.  For more information about anorexia or other eating disorders, visit the National Eating Disorders Association website (www.nationaleatingdisorders.org) or Something Fish (www.something-fishy.org), an online chat room that offers support for families and patients.  

 

If you believe you or someone you know may be dealing with anorexia or another eating disorder, the National Eating Disorders Association recommends you:

  • Learn as much as you can about eating disorders. Read books, articles, online sources and brochures.
  • Know the differences between facts and myths about weight, nutrition and exercise. Knowing the facts will help you reason against any inaccurate ideas that your friend may be using as excuses to maintain their disordered eating patterns.
  • Be honest. Talk openly and honestly about your concerns with the person who is struggling with eating or body image problems. Avoiding it or ignoring it won’t help!
  • Be caring, but be firm. Caring about your friend does not mean being manipulated by them. Your friend must be responsible for their actions and the consequences of those actions. Avoid making rules, promises, or expectations that you cannot or will not uphold. For example, “I promise not to tell anyone.” Or, “If you do this one more time I’ll never talk to you again.”
  • Compliment your friend’s wonderful personality, successes, or accomplishments. Remind your friend that “true beauty” is not simply skin deep.

 

  • Be a good role model in regard to sensible eating, exercise, and self-acceptance.
  • Tell someone. It may seem difficult to know when, if at all, to tell someone else about your concerns. Addressing body image or eating problems in their beginning stages offers your friend the best chance for working through these issues and becoming healthy again. Don't wait until the situation is so severe that your friend's life is in danger. Your friend needs as much support and understanding as possible.


Suggested links:

 



© 2005 UHM Journalism program and students.