Signs of Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a fear of gaining weight. It comes from a distorted sense of body proportion. Anorexia and other eating disorders are life-threatening due to malnutrition and other health conditions that develop as part of the diseases. At Alina Lodge in New Jersey, we offer an eating disorder treatment program that heals the root causes of anorexia and teaches you methods to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What Is Anorexia?
People with anorexia go to extreme measures to control their body weight and shape. They restrict the amount of food they consume with obsessive control. Many people with anorexia vomit after meals or use diet pills, laxatives, or enemas to lose weight. Others exercise compulsively and have an inexplicable fear of gaining weight.
If you have anorexia, you may have emotional issues that contribute to your obsessive behavior. Perhaps you feel that anorexia has taken over your life. Even when told that your behavior threatens your life, you may continue to purge, starve yourself, or take measures to lose weight. With the proper treatment, you can develop a healthy relationship with food.
At Alina Lodge, we use cognitive-behavioral therapy and other therapeutic approaches to address the dual addictions of eating disorders and substance use disorders. We have seen the devastating effects of this disease before. Let us help you regain a balanced perspective of health and weight.
Signs of Anorexia
At a certain point, physical and emotional symptoms of anorexia become evident. If you go to great lengths to disguise your thinness or eating habits, it’s time to seek help from caring professionals at Alina Lodge. In addition, the following physical and emotional symptoms may help you identify anorexia in yourself or someone you care about.
Physical Symptoms of Anorexia
Physical signs of anorexia include:
- Extreme weight loss
- Fatigue or insomnia
- Dizziness
- Bluish fingertips
- Dry, yellow skin
- Dehydration
- Eroded teeth from induced vomiting
- Swelling of arms or legs
Behavioral and Emotional Symptoms of Anorexia
Behavioral and emotional symptoms that point to anorexia or other eating disorders may include:
- Constant dieting or obsessive exercise
- Bingeing and vomiting
- Preoccupation with food or rigid eating rituals
- Refusing to eat or denial of hunger
- Fear of gaining weight
- Irritability
- Dressing in layers of clothing
- Social withdrawal
It’s important to see a doctor immediately when you’re ready to get help. Putting off care puts your life in imminent danger. If you have a co-occurring eating disorder and drug or alcohol use disorder, the dual diagnosis treatment program at Alina Lodge is the ideal solution for you. We customize your care to your specific needs to give you a better chance of long-term recovery.
Causes of Anorexia
Possible causes of anorexia include biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Biological factors include a possible genetic tendency to develop anorexia. Scientists have yet to identify a gene associated with this eating disorder. Still, many people have a genetic tendency toward sensitivity, perfectionism, and perseverance, and these traits are related to anorexia.
If you have an obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may test yourself and go to extremes to control your food intake. High anxiety levels may also contribute to the development of anorexia. Finally, environmental factors include a cultural bias against being overweight. Sadly, many people equate thinness with success and self-worth.
Receive Caring Addiction Treatment for Eating Disorders
If you are ready to take charge of your health and get help, you can receive treatment for your eating disorder at Alina Lodge in New Jersey. Our team can teach you about positive body image and healthy eating habits. We also have a long-term stay program for clients with complex issues such as eating disorders. Contact us by calling 833.685.1700 or completing our secure online form for a healthier, happier future after anorexia.
