We all know that anorexia is affecting people all around us. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, 1 in 200 American women suffers from anorexia. People that suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia experience a symptom known as ‘body image distortion.’ I have always thought of this to be a very interesting but sad topic. This is when the individual, no matter the size, sees themselves as obese or fatter than they actually are. Brain imaging studies are also helping scientists see inside the minds of those with an eating disorder. For example, “researchers have found differences in patterns of brain activity in women with eating disorders in comparison with healthy women. This kind of research can help guide the development of new means of diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders.” This is evidence that an individual suffering from anorexia mentally is in a different state of mind regarding brain activity. This allows the individual to view matters, such as their body image, differently. Therefore, an individual with Anorexia misjudges their body image in a distorted manner.
One thing I decided to write about was how dangerous this was. I feel as though a lot of people agree that this is a dangerous disease but don’t take any part in it. The subject is kind of just let go with no care. So just how dangerous is this disease? A study by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reported these eating disorder statistics: “5-10% of anorexics die within 10 years after contracting the disease and 18-20% of anorexics will be dead after 20 years, Anorexia nervosa has the highest death rate of any psychiatric illness (including major depression), The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate of ALL causes of death for females 15-24 years old.” That is why we must act on the issue of body image distortion, otherwise many people suffering will face the terrible consequences of these diseases.
We have all had those days when you have looked in the mirror and seen a reflection that didn’t satisfy you. But what if this feeling happened every time you saw your frame? For some people, this is their reality and daily struggle. A constant loop of dissatisfaction with their body weight and image. This diagnosis is called Anorexia Nervosa, otherwise commonly known as Anorexia. In more scientific terms, according to John Hopkins Medical Center, “Anorexia nervosa, also known as just anorexia, is an eating disorder. This disorder makes you obsess about your weight and food. If you have this problem, you may have a warped body image. You may see yourself as fat even though you have a very low body weight.” When an individual is suffering from anorexia, they experience what is called an altered body image. No matter how small they are, they see themselves in a different, bigger form. Therefore, an individual with Anorexia misjudges their body image in a distorted manner leading to dangerous, damaging consequences.
E110 FA19 Class Blog 