MONDAY, DAY 1
WEEK 42
CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
For centuries, certain people have purposely refused food. In medieval Europe, for instance, some women starved themselves as an act of cleansing to show their piety; some of these “martyrs” were even elevated to sainthood. In the 16th century, physicians named this phenomenon of self-starvation anorexia, after the Greek word meaning “loss of appetite.” Over time, the focus of this eating disorder has shifted from showing religious devotion to attaining an imagined standard of beauty: thinness.
Today, anorexics are obsessed with their weight, their bodies, and food. They have distorted body images and starve themselves or exercise excessively to whittle themselves down to abnormally low body weights. In the majority of cases, anorexics use food and their bodies as a way to cope with emotional issues and a desire for control. That’s why physicians classify this eating disorder as a mental disease.
Young women, in particular, are vulnerable. The number of 15-to 19-year-old females who suffer from anorexia has grown steadily since 1935. Today, it’s estimated that as many as 10 percent of females and 1 percent of males have been affected by the disorder sometime during their lives. Experts believe that anorexia is caused by psychological, cultural, and even genetic factors. Research shows that females with a family member with the disease are more likely to develop it, as are those with low self-esteem or obsessive-compulsive personalities.
Severe weight loss causes amenorrhea (the lack of menstrual periods), infertility, thinking disorders, and even memory loss. Because the body is deprived of nutrients, people with the disorder may also suffer from anemia and malnourishment. This raises the risk of bone loss, heart problems, and even death. Treatments such as psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and antidepressants can help correct the condition.