Risk Factors of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is well known in all walks of life. Everyone from the Olsen twins to the girl next door has probably experienced a certain form of this eating disorder at one time or another. However, what most people fail to understand is that certain risk factors will put individuals in danger of developing this gut wrenching disorder.

If one is educated, then perhaps they can avoid falling prey to this starvation monster.

One of the first groups of people that are at high risk for developing anorexia nervosa are those who are consistently dieting. If they begin dieting, then people will more than likely notice and comment on how good they look. This can be a double edge sword for most.

If their weight loss results are not meeting their expectations quickly enough, then they may begin to take their dieting regime to a whole new, unhealthy level. Health anxiety may never be an issue if one continues to lose weight quickly.

However, if weight is lost too fast then a person can begin to develop physical problems that can outweigh their original obesity issue. Dieting is fine as long as one does it in the healthy way and does not lose too much weight at once.

Other groups of people that are at high risk for developing anorexia nervosa are athletes. Excessive exercising can lead to one starving him or herself. Top women athletes have been known to have their menstrual cycles stopped because of the loss of too much body fat.

Other people who can develop anorexia nervosa and bulimia are adolescents. This is such a turbulent time in a young person's life and peer pressure or trying to gain acceptance at school can lead to eating disorders.

Anorexia nervosa can lead to death if one is not careful. For those who are in the higher risk category, they must be aware of what exactly anorexia is, including the warning signs and symptoms.

A person can learn all they need to know about eating disorders on the internet or by speaking to their physician. It can be treated if one just reaches out for help and support.