From their busy schedules to the constant expectations that the media and their fans give to celebrities, it becomes quite difficult for them to take care of their body and their well-being. That includes eating rightly every day. As the media and society dictate gaining weight is something to be ashamed about, some of them fall into the trap of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.
Celebrities are not exempted from this. But before we reveal some stars who suffered from Anorexia Nervosa, let’s try to understand this disorder first.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder. It happens when someone deprives himself or herself of eating. It can be characterized by weight loss, distorted body image, difficulty in maintaining the normal BMI (Body Mass Index), having a strict calorie diet, binge eating, purging, and having extreme and excessive exercise.
But, being anorexic doesn’t mean looking underweight. Sometimes, those affected won’t even look unwell. Anorexia has no consideration and it can affect anyone. Whether you are a male or female, young or old, and of any ethnicity and race.
There are two types of anorexia nervosa:
Restrictive Anorexia
Restrictive Anorexia is when a person loses weight by restricting their calorie intake by having drastic diets, fasting, or excessive exercise regimens.
Purging Anorexia
Purging Anorexia is when a person loses weight by using laxatives, diuretics, or deliberately vomiting after eating a meal or when there is food intake.
How do you know that you have this eating disorder?
Some signs and symptoms will vary from person to person depending of the severity of their condition and how their body tries to cope. But, most of the signs and symptoms include:
- Dramatic weight loss
- Having strange food rituals
- Being preoccupied with thoughts of food
- Having an intense fear of gaining weight
- Having sleep problems
- Unable to maintain a normal BMI
- Dizziness
- Stomach Problems
- Dental problems
- Being cold all the time
- Having a weak immune system, always catching a cold
- Lanugo on body
- Menstrual irregularities
- Dry and brittle nails
These are only some of the symptoms that can be seen in a person suffering from anorexia nervosa. It is advised to seek professional help to properly be diagnosed with anorexia if you are exhibiting some of these symptoms or if you know someone having these kinds of symptoms of anorexia nervosa.
What are the Possible Health Risks of Anorexia Nervosa?
By starving one’s self, the body is being denied the right amount of nutrients that it needs to function properly. Because of this, the body will slow down its processes and will result in it suffering from various medical conditions and complications. Some of these include:
Gastrointestinal problems
Gastrointestinal problems have the following general symptoms:
- Slow digestion
- Ruptured stomach
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Intestinal obstruction, perforation, or infection
- Constipation
- Ruptured esophagus
- Swollen parotid glands
Neurological Problems
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Dizziness
- Sleep apnea
- Numbness and tingling sensations
- Lack of concentration
Endocrine Problems
- Reduced metabolic rate
- High cholesterol levels
- Decreased level of hormones
Even if the body becomes resilient to some medical conditions, where someone who is suffering from anorexia may look perfectly fine, that person must still be careful as some of the symptoms may occur abruptly and may end up killing that person instantly due to complications. That’s why it is important to be diagnosed properly if you are suffering from anorexia to get the help you need to recover.
We may see celebrities that we idolize to be living their best lives without us knowing that they may be going through difficulties like eating disorders due to the demands that their jobs require of them and the expectations that people put on them and sometimes they put on themselves too.
5 Celebrities who are suffering from Anorexia Nervosa
1. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is famous for her eccentric expressions of music and art through her songs and her music videos. She shared that she had struggled with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia at a very young age. Due to this, she organized the “Born This Way Foundation” where they help young people who are suffering from distorted body image, drug and alcohol abuse, and bullying.
2. Troian Bellisario
Troian is well known for her role in Pretty Little Liars. She also shared her struggles with anorexia. Through her movie Feed, which also tackles eating disorders has helped her overcome them.
3. Lily Collins
She starred in the film To the Bone where her character was battling anorexia. The film reminded her of her experiences with anorexia when she was young.
4. Zayn Malik
It was only known to the world that Zayn was suffering from anorexia after he left One Direction.
5. Jessica Alba
Despite being one of the most beautiful actresses, Jessica suffered from anorexia as well. She wanted to be skinny to the point of her looking alarmingly very thin.
According to studies, anorexia recovery might take 3 to 7 years on average. With the right help from professionals, anorexia is a treatable disease. If you are suffering from anorexia or know a loved one suffering from it, you may seek professional help online with an online doctor Ontario. Treating it as early as possible will help speed up your recovery. Call a medical professional and find help now.
