The pressure on the demand for skinny models on the runway in the fashion industry is undeniably high, however it looks like models are taking this too high and are doing more than reasonably necessary to stay slim. Most models don’t even know when they cross the thin line between slim body shape and anorexic body. They eventually become aware of their anorexia when everyone else must have noticed it.
Some of the leading reasons why models go anorexic are comments from their managers saying that they need to look weight in order to keep working, or the fear of becoming fat and losing jobs. The models and the fashion industry are also aware of the dangers of anorexia nervosa.
Even though the habit may start out on a deliberate attempt, but eventually it mostly turn into a disease – starting from a harsh dieting, intense exercise, and/or the use of laxatives. As time goes on, the person’s self image become distorted.
A case study of a model who developed the disease is found here “I went from hunky model to 6 stone anorexic”
The story was originally published 20 January 2010 and the updated version quoted from CloserOnline.co.uk. Jeremy, 36, has battled the eating disorder for almost 25 years, since being bullied as a chubby schoolboy. His gums are receding from vomiting and his once-fit body is now skeletal. Just a few months ago, 5ft 7 Jeremy weighed less than 6st.
But Jeremy, who’s unemployed, says he’s slowly beating the disorder after receiving help and support from other male anorexics – dubbed “manorexics” – who have followed his struggle on his internet blog.
Understanding Anorexic People
People who seem to suffer from the idea that they are grossly overweight when they are in fact not is anorexia. These anorexic people believe that they are always getting fatter and severely cut down their intake in order to “shed” those imaginary pounds.
Anorexic person go to extremes by denying themselves even the basic of the foods and undergo excessive exercise regiments to try and remove those excess weights. As such, their bodies lose precious nutrients and eventually their natural bodily resistance crumbles to the point where a simple cold or infection is deadly to them.
Most anorexic people are women. Although there are some cases of men, it is the women who dominate this sickness. Most people are diagnosed with anorexia in their early twenties or thirties.
How do you spot an anorexic person?
Anorexic people display the following signs: they eat very little, they pretend to eat when in the company of others, they lie as to how much they have really eaten, they are obsessed with the calories of every food they come across, they often abuse diet pills by combining them at the same time, they vomit after eating, there is a distinct trace of depression or moodiness, and wear thick clothes to cover their thin frame.
Although these are the are signs of anorexic people, they are not easily exposed since they take great pains to hide their obsession.
Health risks for anorexic people
People with anorexia are at great health risk due to their low immune systems. As such, they can display the following symptoms: massive dehydration, dizziness, weakness of joints, fatigue, anemia, low trace amounts of potassium in their blood, slow heart beat/rate, gastro related disorders such as constipation, some ulcers, stomach cramps. They even run the risk of kidney failure, infertility, and loss of bone mass. Death is the ultimate result if anorexic people are not treated.
How to treat anorexic people
If not properly treated, it is estimated that 23 percent die. But with treatment, the death ratio quickly dwindles. It is estimated that almost 60 percent make complete recovery and out of those that recover, around 18 percent are able to establish harmonious relationships between their weight and can focus enough to hold jobs. The other people may remain overweight but are actively being treated to correct their behavior.
Treating anorexia is a combination of psychological and also chemical treatment. Sometimes chemical treatment is brief and just enough to get the patients the courage and conviction to continue the treatment.
Anorexic models are common on catwalks where the pressure to fit into size zero outfits seems intense. As time goes on, an anorexic model may become very weak, develop a variety of health issues, and also show serious signs of depression. Over time, anorexia nervosa can even lead to death.
Some of the health issues associated with untreated anorexia nervosa include:
- Calcium deficiency
- Kidney stones
- Liver disease
- Interrupted menstrual cycles
- Heart failure
- Dehydration
- Nerve damage
- Muscle loss
- Emotional withdrawal
- Fatigue
- Gum disease & tooth erosion
- Hair loss
- Sleep disorders
