Anorexia Nervosa: Killing Yourself to be Thin? Get Real.

Why Did We Choose This Topic?

Anorexia is an illness that has become more and more frequent in today’s society.  We chose this serious topic because anorexia is actually most frequent with the age group of 15 through 19 and we fit into this range.  In a survey of 80 students , both male and female from grades 9-11 at the International Academy, the students were asked whether they think of themselves of fat or overweight.  43% of these students said yes.  The same students were asked if they know or had ever known someone with anorexia.  Of the 80 students, 48% said yes, almost half of them.  From the survey results, it can be seen that body weight and even anorexia is definetely an issue in people of the age range 15-19 at the International Academy. For this reason, we hope to come up with a solution to help people just like us.  Anorexia is a disease that we believe is important because we understand the pressures of wanting to look good and we are willing to help those in need to move past these unnecessary social influences.  We want to be able to teach an audience who will feel like they can really relate to us because we are all in the same age group and we really understand what is going on in teenager’s minds.  This is a topic that comes very close to our hearts because girls and even boys just like us are having to suffer and are at risk of dying.  We want to do all we can to help the pain and suffering stop.  The IA community needs a role model to explain that it is ok not to look like models or television stars, but to embrace one’s own beautiful body.  No one should have to go through physical strain just to look like someone who has been excessively photo shopped to look thin and this is the message we hope to convey.  There is too much influence from the media to look abnormally thin.  There are also social influences, even certain friends who may impact one’s view of oneself.  Through educating the audience with research, videos, and even simply talking one on one, it needs to be clear that starving ones self to look good will ruin ones life in years to come.   

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

One of the most common eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, is also one of the most dangerous eating disorders. it is particularly noted at the IA because we are the most common age and most likely to suffer from it. many female teens endure the disorder because of peer pressure. Anorexia is scary because those suffering from it do not always know have a problem. although they will show the symptoms, the ill people (especially teens) will not claim being sick or try to hide it. we want to be able to identify the symptoms and help to prevent everyone before getting in too deep because anorexia only has a 60% recovery rate, leaving almost half of the people to continuously stay dangerously unhealthy and unsafe.  Most importantly, anorexia is a mental disorder, not just an eating disorder and even with proper counceling and care, relapse is definetely a possibility.  This means that is extremely important for a patient to be fully recovered after being in a proper environment (usually a section of any hospital is dedicated for this) and to continue their new regime at home.

Statistics for Anorexia Nervosa in America.

Anorexia Nervosa, a potentially deadly disease has been taking its toll on America for too long. Each year alone a total of 500,000 people, die a painful death brought on by eating disorders, and 150,000 were women suffering from Anorexia. This disease specifically target women between the ages of 15 and 19, 40% of the above 150,000 were still in high school. Although not dying from it, 5 to 10 million girls do have serious eating disorders, the youngest possible age group being eight year olds. Throughout several governmental surveys, it is known that nearly half of all Americans have a friend or co-worker that has Anorexia. And with all these people dealing with the same disease, it is said that only one in ten will receive treatment. Based soley off the statistics above, Anorexia Nervosa, is a seriously underestimated disease. For so long, it has been killing thousands of Americans, and still those who have it refuse to seek the proper help. Even the ones that have recieved help, approximately 80%, did not get the proper intensity of treatment, and therefore do not last very long in recovery. That is still only if they actually seek treatment. Most victims of this disease are afraid to admit to starving themselves, or they may be willing, but,  Anorexia nervosa treatments are too expensive for an American with an average salery to support. The cost of out patient treatment (out of the hospital, for example, therapy) can be up to 100,000 dollars.

Is this really beautiful? 

Here is a music video of "Stupid Girls" by Pink with a specific clip relating to anorexia

How can I get help?

• Treatment of anorexia nervosa includes both short and long-term measures, and requires assessment by dietitians and psychiatrists as well as medical specialists.  There are outpatient and inpatient programs available.
•  Hospitalization is recommended for anorexics that have a  weight of 40 lbs. or more below normal, a severely disturbed metabolism, signs of psychosis, sever depression or risk of suicide, a family crisis, lost 30 lbs. or more over a three-month period, or partake in severe binging and purging. Treatment while in hospitals may include group or individual therapy, refeeding, and careful monitoring of the patient’s health condition. In extreme cases, hospitalized patients may be force-fed through a tube inserted in the nose or by over-feeding. Hospital treatment usually lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 months.
•  Anorexics that are not severely malnourished can undergo outpatient treatment, which is normally through therapy.  The types of treatment recommended are more supportive of the patient rather than focused on insight of the eating disorder. Sessions can be psychotherapy or behavioral therapy, group or individual; family therapy is often recommended when the patient's eating disorder is closely tied to family dysfunction. Psychotherapy with anorexics is a slow and difficult process; about 50% of patients continue to have psychiatric problems after their weight has stabilized.
•  Medication:

     Anorexics have been treated with a variety of medications, including antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and lithium      carbonate. The effectiveness of medications in treatment regimens is still debated. However, at least one study of Prozac showed it helped the patient      maintain weight gained while in the hospital. Treating any co-occurring depression may help prevent recurrence of the anorexia.

•  Prevention:

     Short of major long-term changes in  society's view of beauty and weight, the best strategy for prevention of anorexia nervosa is the cultivation of healthy      attitudes toward food, understanding proper weight loss strategies, weight control, and the formation of healthy ideas of beauty (or body image) within      families.  Education in schools will be very useful for preventing anorexia.  If young girls know the dangers of anorexia,and some of its causes, they will be      able to feel more open about telling a trusted adult about their struggle with anorexia and get treatment before their situation becomes life threatening.

Here is a video of a news story reporting the dangers and extremeties of anorexia and one girl's story.

Organizations to check out

National Eating Disorders Association:  http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=286&Profile_ID=41142

"Eating Disorders Anorexia, Bulimia & Compulsive Overeating" 1998-2009. Something Fishy Website. 10 Nov. 2009. <http://www.something-fishy.org/>