Megarexia: obese people who look slim
buy modafinil aus п»їAnorexia and bulimia are the most common and well-known eating disorders (ED). But there are other disorders belonging to this group that are still largely unknown to society and are not yet included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) or in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Such is the case of megarexia.
When we talk about megarexia, we are talking about a disorder completely opposite to anorexia nervosa and that produces serious and terrible consequences for the organism of the person who suffers from it.
Megarexia: obese people who look thinThe term "megarexia" is a neologism created by the doctor and nutritionist Jaime Brugos, who used it for the first time in his book "Isoproteic Diet" in 1992. This term defines people who believe they are thin and healthy, although they actually suffer from obesity.
Generally, those who suffer from megarexia do not accept criticism in relation to the type of life they lead, nor the diet they follow, becoming hostile and manifesting an irrational hatred towards themselves and their environment.
What are the characteristics of megarexia? People who present megarexia are characterized by experiencing:
Alteration or distortion of their own body image: they suffer a marked distortion of their body schema, something very common in eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. These people do not perceive reality when they look in the mirror. Although they have some moments of lucidity where they are aware of their problem, without accepting it. Many times, they see the reality in photographs, that is why they do not usually let themselves be photographed, since they do not identify themselves with the image taken. In addition, they usually do not like to go shopping, because when they try on clothes of their size they feel confused, sad and frustrated.
Symptoms of malnutrition: although it may seem strange, they present symptoms of malnutrition such as dizziness, lack of energy, low blood pressure and anemia. This is due to the shortage of essential nutrients in the organism due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, eating a hypercaloric diet, mainly rich in fats and carbohydrates. Fast food, industrial pastries, fried foods, nuts, and any food rich in "empty calories" are the basis of their diet.
Bad mood: they become hostile, intransigent, conflictive and even ill-mannered, showing hatred towards themselves and the world.
The lack of essential nutrients (vitamins, minerals and amino acids) that characterizes patients affected by megarexia, causes an alteration in the brain at the biochemical level. This causes the characteristic distortion of the self-image and, therefore, the non-acceptance of the problem they suffer from.
In addition, by eating a hypercaloric diet, mainly rich in fats and carbohydrates, they tend to develop diseases such as anemia, apneas, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. In the most severe cases, it can even lead to death.
How can we help these people? First of all, it is essential that the sufferer accepts the problem. The patient must recognize and assume that she is obese and that she suffers from a psychological disorder that does not allow her to see reality.
In cases of megarexia, the role played by the patient's closest environment is fundamental. The confrontation with reality must be carried out:
With great tact.
Always remembering that we are dealing with a person suffering from a disorder, and not with someone who has voluntarily abandoned himself.
Once the person has accepted that he/she has a problem, it is necessary to put him/herself in the hands of a specialist in eating disorders. He or she will be in charge of assessing the particular situation and developing a specific plan of action for the person suffering from megarexia.
The person affected by this disorder, needs to undergo medical and nutritional treatments, carrying out a constant monitoring of them.
Like all eating disorders, it can be prevented to a large extent by establishing healthy lifestyle habits from childhood. Routines in which sport, a balanced diet and emotional health are the basis.
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