How Anorexia Nervosa Affects Mental and Physical Health Long-Term

What Is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It has long-term effects on both the mind and body. People with anorexia nervosa often fear gaining weight. Hence, they restrict themselves from eating food, and end up having

• inappropriate eating habits,
• obsessive thoughts about having a thin body, and
• may have distorted self-perception.

This disorder can cause many health problems over time.

Anorexia nervosa can be developed due to various reasons. It can develop due to genetics, cultural factors, or environmental factors. however, it is observed that women show a higher rate of prevalence of this disorder than men. The average range among women to develop Anorexia Nervosa is 15 to 19 years of age in India.

Now, Let’s Understand The Long Term Effects of Anorexia Nervosa.

The anorexia nervosa’s long-term effects can be severe. One major effect is extreme weight loss. The body becomes weak from a lack of nutrients. This weakness affects the muscles, including the heart. In some cases, the damage can lead to heart failure.

Physical Impacts of Anorexia Nervosa

• The physical consequences of anorexia include bone loss. Bones become thin and break easily. This condition is called osteoporosis. It increases the accident proneness and the high risk of getting fractured easily.
• The digestive system also suffers, resulting in issues like bloating and constipation. These physical consequences of anorexia can last even after the person begins to eat normally again.
• The long-term effects include damage to skin, hair, and nails. Due to a lack of nutrients, the skin becomes dry, and a person can experience heavy hair falls. Teeth and gums are affected too. Lack of nutrients harms oral health.
• Hormonal changes are another concern. Women with anorexia often stop getting their periods. This can cause infertility. Men may experience low testosterone. These physical consequences of anorexia may continue for years if not treated early.
• The immune system becomes weak. A person becomes more likely to get sick. Healing takes longer. The body also has a harder time fighting infections. These anorexia nervosa long-term effects make everyday illnesses more dangerous.

The brain is also affected by anorexia nervosa. Starvation can shrink brain tissue. This affects memory, focus, and thinking skills. Some changes improve with proper food, but others may be long-lasting.

Emotional Impacts of Anorexia Nervosa

• One serious mental health impact of anorexia is depression. People often feel hopeless and sad. Anxiety is also common. Many feel constant fear about food and weight gain. These feelings can become worse without proper support.
• A person suffering from Anorexia Nervosa can also suffer from other mental health disorders like anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, mood disorder, or even conduct disorder.
• Social life also changes. People may avoid friends and family due to low self-esteem and social pressure regarding their physical appearance. They feel uncomfortable in social settings, especially when food is involved. This leads to loneliness. The emotional or mental health impact of anorexia includes isolation and low self-worth.

The anorexia nervosa long-term effects can affect education and work as well. Support from family members, teachers, and employers is important for every body.

So How Can We Fight Against This Issue?

The best way to get rid of this situation is to visit a mental health care provider near you. The mental health care and awareness in India is growing, but it still needs more support. Increasing awareness and better access to services can help those with eating disorders get the care they need.

Finding a counselor near you can help start the healing process. A good counselor can teach coping skills and offer emotional support. Because talking openly helps reduce stress and anxiety related to anorexia.

Therapy is a key part of recovery. It helps a person understand their thoughts and behaviors. With support, people can learn to build healthier habits. This reduces the mental health impact of anorexia and improves life quality.

Therapies like Cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and Acceptance and commitment therapy are proven therapies to treat the disorder. Yoga, Dance moment therapy, body scanning meditation, and engaging in mindfulness activities are useful techniques in reducing the symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa.

Family support is also important. Loved ones can provide meals, encouragement, and a safe space. They play a key role in healing. Open communication and patience are important for everyone involved. Parents should develop good eating habits in children at an early age, explain the nutritional value of food, make children aware of the effect of social media on developing pressure from body image, and minimize food preferences.

Recovery takes time. Some people get better quickly. Others may struggle for years. The anorexia nervosa long-term effects vary from person to person. But with help, recovery is possible.

Along with this, nutritional counseling is also very helpful. It teaches people how to eat balanced meals. This reduces the physical consequences of anorexia.

The mental health impact of anorexia can be reduced with ongoing therapy. Many people benefit from regular sessions even after recovery. Therapy helps maintain healthy habits and prevents relapse.

More programs for mental health care in India can make treatment easier to access. Schools, workplaces, and clinics should offer support. Early treatment leads to better results and fewer long-term issues.

Talking to a counselor near you can also prevent future problems. Early signs of eating disorders are often missed. A counselor can help identify and treat issues before they get worse.

The anorexia nervosa long-term effects can also impact your relationships. Trust and communication may suffer. Therapy for couples or families can help rebuild these connections. Healing together is a strong part of recovery.

People suffering from a moderate to severe level of Anorexia Nervosa often need to be admitted to the hospital

In severe cases, anorexia can be life-threatening. It has one of the highest death rates among mental illnesses. There is a risk of cardiac attack, and important physical organs damage. These dangers show why early treatment is critical.

Conclusion -

In conclusion, anorexia nervosa affects both the mind and body in many ways. The anorexia nervosa long-term effects can be physical and mental. The physical consequences of anorexia damage the body, while the mental health impact of anorexia affects mood and thoughts. With mental health care in India improving, it is now easier to find help. Reaching out to a counselor near you or the right treatment center can save lives and lead to full recovery.