Anorexia Nervosa
You are a woman, not a SKETCH.
By Javeria Zafar
Anorexia Nervosa is a serious eating
disorder, potentially life threatening
characterized by unrealistic fear of weight
gain, self-starvation and conspicuous
distortion of body image. Anorexic people
see themselves as overweight even though
they are underweight. This disorder is
common to models, athletes and dancers.
The overvaluation of thinness and culture of
perfection that characterizes the world
today has an impact on the psyche of
adolescents and children.
Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality
rate of any psychological disorder. Globally,
anorexia is estimated to affect two million
people as of 2013. The mortality rate is 6 to
12 times and the suicide risk is 56 times
higher than expected. About 90% of
adolescents who died are women. If we
compare the occurrence of anorexia in men
and women, it would be 5% to 95%.
Causes
The causes of anorexia can be biological,
psychological and sociological. It is usually
linked to childhood sexual abuse or
dysfunctional families. Anorexia often
begins following a major life change or
stress-inducing event. Anorexia can also be
triggered by low self-esteem, lack of
control, depression, anxiety, loneliness,
bullying, and peer pressure. People in
professions in which there is a social
pressure to be thin are more likely to
develop anorexia.
People also develop this disorder because
of fat-shaming. A fat-person is considered
undesirable and unattractive. Beauty
conscious women consider being fat as
detrimental to their social acceptance.

Role of Media Such disorders are less likely to happen

where media doesn’t have a strong hold.
Exposure to media that presents body
For example, eating disorders are less
ideals may constitute a risk factor for body
reported in non-westernized countries
dissatisfaction. The media gives men and
(Africa) than in Western countries (USA).
women a false view of what people truly
look like. In magazines, movies and even on
billboards most of the actors and models
The irony is that most of the women don’t
are photoshopped in multiple ways. People
realize that they are falling a prey to this
then strive to look like these "perfect" role
problem. It usually starts with a little dieting
models when in reality they aren't
but then the women become so interested
anywhere near perfection themselves.
in achieving that so called ideal figure that
Being skinny is becoming a beauty symbol.
they can’t stop losing weight.
Majority of the models hired are young girls
of ages between 14-16 years. And grown Starting from their very first toy doll, girls
women think that they are not as beautiful are exposed to highly unrealistic image of
and smart as these models and that’s where female body. Barbie dolls, Disney princesses
the problem originates. Losing weight and and Animes portray an imaginary ideal
being skinny is becoming a trend. In this age image of female body i.e. tall, long hair, big
of social-media, people and specially girls eyes and a slender body. Little girls idealize
are becoming highly concerned about their them and this serves as ground for body
body image and looks. One of the big negativity.
reasons for that is seeing their friends and
relatives sharing their pictures and selfies,
tying to look attractive and glamourous.

Treatment
Treatment of anorexia involves restoring a
healthy weight, treating the underlying
psychological problems, and addressing
behaviors that promote the problem. While
medications do not help with weight gain,
they may be used to help with associated
anxiety or depression. A number of types of
therapy may be useful including an
approach where parents assume
responsibility for feeding their child and
cognitive behavioral therapy. Sometimes
people require admission to hospital to
restore weight. Some people just have a
single episode and recover while others
may have many episodes over years.
It is not the illness of body, it is the illness of
mind. The condition can be made better by
changing the mindset of anorexic people. It
is important to understand that adolescents
are in a phase of brain development and
emotional regulation and often susceptible
to peer pressure. Reading of dieting or
frequently being exposed to images that
may provoke body image concerns can be
damaging, particularly to those who are
predisposed to developing an eating
disorder. While it is not possible to filter
everything, this is an opportunity for
parents and caregivers to understand the
power of social media as to have
meaningful conversations with loved ones
about unsafe practices and self-destructive
behaviors.
Media literacy training involves teaching
people to think critically about different
forms of the media, increasing awareness of
media use, and analyzing the content and
intentions of the media producers. Through
media literacy, adolescent girls learn how to
decode and discuss the visual images and
the messages in the media; they learn that
all media images are constructed, that what
they see is not necessarily reality, and that
all media creations represent a point of
view. Being aware of the of social media as
well as the issues that children face online is
an important part of parenting. Friends and
family should realize the severity of this
problem and instead of looking down upon
such people, they should help them fight
with it. Lack of awareness makes people
think that such people are crazy and
retarded.
 In the end to all the girls fighting with
Anorexia, there is no magic cure, no making
it go away forever. There are only small
steps upward; an easier day, an unexpected
laugh, a mirror that doesn’t matter
anymore.
And to all girls out there.
Exercise to be fit, Not ‘Skinny’
Eat to nourish your body and
Always ignore the haters, doubters and
unhealthy examples that were once feeding
you.
You are worth more than you realize.