Obesity and Eating Disorders - Anorexia Nervosa (AN) Flashcards
Q: What is Anorexia Nervosa (AN)?
A: Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by abnormally low body weight, fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
Q: What are the statistics related to Anorexia Nervosa recovery and mortality?
A:
50% recover, 30% improve, 15% remain chronically ill, and 5% die from complications or suicide.
Males account for 25% of cases and are at higher risk of death due to delayed diagnosis.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa?
A:
Behavioral:
Strict dieting, calorie counting, avoidance of fats, purging, hiding food.
Overexercising, excessive water intake, social isolation around meals.
Physical:
Muscle atrophy, dizziness, light-headedness, constipation, fine body hair growth.
Hair loss, amenorrhea, low body temperature, low blood pressure, and anxiety.
Q: What complications are often associated with Anorexia Nervosa?
A:
Gut dysbiosis, food intolerances, and poor nutrient absorption.
Reproductive issues, anemia, reduced bone density, and poor immunity.
Anxiety, depression, skin and hair problems, and dental issues.
Q: What are the two subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa?
A:
Restricting Type: Weight loss through strict dieting and/or excessive exercise.
Binge-Eating/Purging Type: Weight loss through self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.
Q: What biochemical changes occur in the body with Anorexia Nervosa?
A:
Acute tryptophan depletion, increasing depression and anxiety.
Electrolyte imbalances, metabolic alkalosis, and cardiovascular complications.
Disrupted serotonin pathways due to low oestrogen and adipose tissue depletion.
Q: What are key indicators to suspect an eating disorder in a client?
A:
Low BMI clients seeking weight loss advice.
Amenorrhea issues and fear of fat-containing foods.
Young athletes unable to maintain energy and body weight.
Signs like wearing baggy clothes, angular cheilitis, pallor, or yellowing of skin.
Q: How is Anorexia Nervosa clinically diagnosed?
A:
Intense fear of weight gain or maintaining a healthy BMI.
BMI of 17.5 or under (but diagnosis is not solely based on BMI).
Body dysmorphia and denial that weight is an issue.
Q: What is the orthodox medical treatment for Anorexia Nervosa?
A:
Refeeding programs to restore BMI using high-calorie diets.
Psychological support and dietary retraining.
Medications like antidepressants or oestrogen replacement therapy for amenorrhea.
In severe cases, nasogastric feeding may be required.
Q: What nutrient deficiencies are common in Anorexia Nervosa, and what are their symptoms?
A:
Zinc: Confusion, depression, slow healing, low appetite.
Magnesium: Irritability, insomnia, depression, constipation.
Tryptophan: Anxiety, low mood, bowel irregularity.
Protein: Fatigue, poor skin, hair, and nails.
Omega-3: Depression, dry skin.
B vitamins: Anxiety, poor concentration, memory, and stress resilience.
Q: Why does refeeding require careful management in Anorexia Nervosa?
A: Rapid refeeding can cause refeeding syndrome, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiovascular strain. Behavioral reward systems and gradual caloric increases are used to minimize risks.
