The stages of anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is one of the most common and dangerous eating disorders known to man. It is known to many as characterized by the patient refusing to eat and losing extreme amounts of weight until they often resemble nothing more than a skin covered skeleton which can often lead to death in the most severe cases.

The stages of anorexia can be different for different people, but they all follow a similar pattern in that the symptoms and effects get worse over time. Anorexia nervosa is a treatable disorder, but there is no known specific cure. It is important to be aware of the different stages listed below and their characteristics so that you can begin to identify if you or someone you know has this condition. In any case, seek treatment immediately so that the condition does not worsen.

Stage one anorexia may simply resemble someone who decides to participate in a rigorous exercise program. They may exercise every day, but they just come across as fitness-conscious individuals.

Stage two occurs when the individual begins to obsess not only with exercise, but also with food. This can be constantly talking about what they ate or how long it’s been since they last ate.

Stage three is often characterized by the sufferer’s obsession with trying to eat as few calories as possible in order to have energy to exercise and lose additional weight. This can be weeks or months and the disorder and physical characteristics such as looking gaunt or pale or having circles under the eyes may actually exist.

Stage Four can be recognized when the person begins to obsess over their appearance in the mirror in a very public way. This may be lifting your shirt to see how many ribs you can visibly count, or looking at your back to see if your spine or other bones are visible. Many people work to keep this condition private so that friends and family never witness it personally.

Stage five shows how much of a downward spiral can occur due to this damaging disorder. As anorexia progresses, one of the symptoms is that the sufferer will begin to measure how many days they can go without eating before passing out. At this stage, fainting is common. Friends and family should certainly take note and begin seeking treatment for this person immediately. At this stage, the disorder has really taken hold and sufferers may be completely helpless to do anything about it.

Stage six and beyond simply sees the downward spiral continue, often at a rapid pace. Fainting spells, bloody noses, incredibly thin physiques, and extreme lack of energy are common features of later-stage anorexia.

Keep in mind that the above stages are guidelines and indicative of many, but not all, people with anorexia. The most important thing to look for is long-term weight loss along with obsessive behaviors about exercise and eating. It is extremely important that if you think you or someone you love may be suffering, that you seek treatment immediately. Anorexia kills, don’t let this happen to you or anyone you know.