Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

Biological Causes of Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is defined as an eating disorder that has the factors related to the maintenance of normal body weight, a major fear for weight gain and a major alteration in perception of body shape and body size. A person suffering from anorexia nervosa generally maintains a body weight that is below a minimally normal level for age and height, i.e., 85% or less of this weight. This emaciated appearance is generally due to lack of adequate nutrients. A person will reduce nutritional intake in order to maintain an appearance of thinness; however, the perception of what is “too fat” is usually distorted. In individuals with this disorder, perception of their body shape and weight is strongly related to their self-esteem (Gupta, 1990).

According to the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM, 2006), other psychological problems can often accompany this diagnosis such as depressed mood, social withdrawal, anxiety, low self-esteem, and diminished interest in sex. This disorder occurs 10 to 20 times more often in young women than men, is seen more often in developed countries, and is more common in professions that require slenderness, such as modeling and dance. Most of the psychological and social attributes associated with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa have been identified in studies of teen-agers or very young women, since they comprise the bulk of the sufferers. Far less is known about women in midlife who suffer from symptoms of this same disorder. An important question, addressed in the topic is why symptoms of anorexia are becoming more prevalent in women during midlife. Middle-age women experience life-changing alterations, such as the departure of grown children, divorce, widowhood, and feelings of being out of control and isolated. These issues may precipitate eating disorders. A feeling of being out of control can bring about dieting and restricting calories as a way to regain control; however, some women carry out this need to a point where they are at risk for developing disordered eating (Horesh, Zalsman & Apter, 2000).

The researchers also pointed out that some women in midlife, in an attempt to look attractive and young, may often feel they must hide the truth about their eating behaviors from others because the information on eating disorders has become so widespread in the media. She stated, “Sometimes women at midlife seek treatment for the first time after struggling for years with a full-blown or sub-clinical eating disorder. They have kept the disorder a secret from their loved ones while they have suffered in silence. In addition, it was reported in the year 2000, that forty three million adult women in the United States were dieting to lose weight and another twenty six million were dieting to maintain their weight. Even though particular ages were not specified, the numbers signify an adult woman's concerns with her body shape and image. Symptoms of disordered eating may occur alongside developmental issues, such as the fear of aging (Mather, et al, 2008).

Relationship between Anorexia and Obesity

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