Don't let weight loss become harmful! These 4 manifestations may indicate anorexia nervosa

Even though my weight is below the normal range, my reflection in the mirror is still 'not thin enough'? When the obsession with weight loss turns into a fear of food, and even an inexplicable excitement upon seeing the number on the scale drop, it may not just be a sign of self-discipline. Some people, in their pursuit of a "perfect figure," unknowingly fall into the shadow of anorexia nervosa - a psychological disorder that causes a mortality rate of up to 10%, far higher than common mental disorders such as depression.

1. What is anorexia nervosa

1. The core feature

is not simply "not wanting to eat", but a pathological fear of weight gain, persisting in being "too fat" even if skinny. The hunger signal in the brain is deliberately ignored, and eating behavior becomes a painful process that requires precise calculation.

2. physiological changes

Long term insufficient calorie intake can lead to slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and women may experience amenorrhea. Even more dangerous is electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to cardiac arrest at any time.

Two, four danger signals to be alert to

1. Distorted body image cognition

Wearing loose clothes to conceal thinness, but causing serious misjudgment of the image in the mirror. When people around them say 'too thin', the person still firmly believes that certain parts' need to be further reduced by three centimeters'.

2. Ritual eating

Cut food into extremely small pieces, use specific utensils, and strictly calculate the number of times each bite is chewed. A meal that should have been finished in 15 minutes may be delayed for more than 2 hours.

3. Concealed compensatory behavior

Immediately hiding in the bathroom after meals, suddenly becoming enthusiastic about excessive exercise such as marathons, and secretly taking laxatives. These behaviors often occur in corners that are invisible to family members.

4. Intense emotional fluctuations

Due to eating an extra half of a cookie, the person breaks down and cries loudly, and experiences anxiety attacks when their weight slightly increases. Emotions fluctuate like roller coasters, but are directly linked to changes in food and weight.

3. Why does the brain "deceive" you?

1. Neurotransmitter imbalance

In a state of long-term hunger, dopamine secreted by the brain can create a "sense of control and pleasure", similar to a dependency mechanism of achievement, which is toxic The neural mechanisms underlying addiction to drugs have similarities.

2. Social and cultural influences

The aesthetic standard of "beauty in thinness" is infinitely magnified, and the modified body photos on social media form a wrong reference frame, creating the illusion of "I can be happy if I lose another 5 kilograms".

4. How to get out of the predicament

1. Reconstruction of cognition

Prepare a full-length mirror and tape measure, and objectively record body data every week under the guidance of professionals. Break the subjective assumption of 'I feel fat' with scientific data.

2. Progressive Dietary Adjustment

starts with accepting liquid foods and gradually transitions to soft foods. At this stage, it is necessary for nutritionists to develop personalized plans and avoid sudden increases in food intake that may cause physical discomfort.

3. Find alternatives to meet [SEP]'s interest in cultivating manual creation in painting, pottery, and other fields, and transfer excessive attention to the body through artistic expression. When hands are stained with paint, there is no time to calculate the calorie content of food. A healthy body should be full of vitality, not just a number on a scale. If you or someone around you is experiencing these troubles, professional psychological counseling and medical support are like flashlights in the dark, able to help you find your way home. Remember, reconciling with food is not about weak willpower, but about the greatest tenderness towards oneself.