Reference no: EM133843587
Question
Anorexia 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.
Honestly, when it comes to my feelings towards someone with anorexia, I almost feel sorry for them. The fact that they equate weight with self worth, emotional problems, body image perception from other people, or just being afraid to gain weight is saddening to me. Also, I am not being funny when I say this, but they are really depriving themselves of some wonderful food. I am a foodie and I love trying different foods and dishes from all over, different cultures, different places. I couldn't imagine depriving myself of good food unless it was for a reason. I just feel sad because I feel like the world is to blame for this disease. There has been this image created by media and people that makes a certain body type more acceptable and attractive and people strive to become that by putting their bodies through these extreme measures and sometimes losing their life over it.
When it comes to making a distinction between my thoughts and feelings towards men and women with anorexia, there is no difference to me.
Anorexia is anorexia no matter what sex it is affecting at the time. It is unfortunate and sad either way and I would not wish this on anybody to put themselves through. Every single body is beautiful.