How Long Does It Take to Become Anorexic:
Unfortunately, 9% of Americans – mostly teenagers – will suffer from eating disorders in their lifetimes. Eating disorders are mental conditions characterized by wrongful eating patterns and behaviors in which most patients become obsessed with losing weight and getting skinnier. For instance, a report indicates that one-half of Americans were trying to lose weight between 2013 and 2016. This article discusses the reasons why people acquire eating disorders, particularly anorexia. So, how can we describe anorexia?
Anorexia, in simple terms, can be defined as an eating disorder in which people restrict their food intake for fear of gaining weight. In other words, it’s an obsession with getting skinnier because of a harmful and distorted self-image perception. In bulimia – another eating disorder – a person becomes obsessed with binge eating and vomiting to avoid gaining weight.
So, how long does it take to become anorexic, and what are some ways to become skinny? This article explains some important facts about anorexia.
Why do people become anorexic?
Anorexia affects different genders disproportionally. It’s estimated that 90% of people with eating disorders are women, and most of these women are young girls. Before learning some of the common causes behind anorexia, find out some widespread symptoms of this eating disorder:
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
- Tooth decay
- Nails getting brittle
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Fatigue and constipation
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Cooking for others and not eating it yourself
- Depression, mood swings, and hopelessness
- Behavioral problems such as eating secretly, wearing loose clothes, working out rigorously, talking about being fat a lot, and purging more usual than normal
How long does it take to become anorexic, and why do some people choose this path? One may argue that anorexia comes from plenty of reasons, even though its exact causes are unknown. A few reasons can be mentioned here that may explain why eating disorders affect people:
- Obesity
- Peer pressure
- Perfectionism
- Abuse or trauma
- Getting bullied at school
- Low self-esteem and body image
- Genetics (a family history of anorexia)
- Equating slenderness with high standards of beauty
- Getting criticized regularly about how much you’re eating
- Industry pressure (many K-Pop singers are afflicted with this disorder)
How Long Does It Take to Become Anorexic?
Okay, let’s come back to the hundred-calorie question here. How can you make yourself anorexic in some easy steps, and how long will it take? Well, internet forums on this issue estimate that it takes a person just 22 days on average to pick up this eating disorder. Some people need only 16 days to become anorexic, while others surrender after 42 days.
We’ll discuss some healthy ways here to induce anorexia. But remember that self-starvation isn’t healthy itself, and all beauty standards you encounter daily are societal phenomena. All bodies are beautiful, and you shouldn’t judge yourself as per society’s standards. That said, here’s how you can lose weight to become anorexic properly:
- How long does it take to become anorexic on weight-loss pills? Very easy. These pills are the most common way to induce anorexia. You can reduce your appetite and burn more fat by ingesting these pills. But consume them only when a doctor recommends them.
- Modify your dietary habits and consume foods with fewer calories. In other words, you must avoid junk food. Contact a dietitian to become anorexic without hurting yourself.
- Try the five-bite diet plan in which you restrict the number of bites you take per meal. Also, take some omega-3 supplements to keep your weight-loss efforts healthy.
- Exercise regularly to burn more fat, and don’t adopt a sedentary lifestyle.
- Drink plenty of water to stay constantly hydrated.
Why is anorexia dangerous, and how can it be treated?
We have answered these questions: “How long does it take to become anorexic?” and “How to make yourself anorexic?” in this article. But another question arises about the side effects of this disorder. Should you force yourself to eat less, exercise more, and frequently vomit to become skinnier? Well, a simple answer would be “no.” It’s unhealthy, and you shouldn’t find unnatural ways to lose weight. A person should consume enough calories needed for bodily functions. Otherwise, anorexia leads to:
- Anemia
- Constipation
- Losing periods
- Kidney problems
- Becoming suicidal
- Bones getting weaker
- Irregular heart rhythms
- OCD, anxiety, or depression
- Bodily fluids getting imbalanced
- Minerals in your body getting imbalanced
As you can see, we repeated many symptoms of anorexia here to show how dangerous this disorder can be for your well-being. However, anorexia is treatable. Reports show that 46% of people with an eating disorder recover completely.
You can help an anorexic person seek professional help and get treated via psychological counseling and supervised nutrition. Dietitians, nutritionists, and psychologists get together to help anorexic people overcome their harmful eating behaviors.
FAQs
Can anorexia kill you?
Absolutely. What else are you expecting? Statistics indicate that 18-20 percent of anorexic patients will die after 20 years.
How old are most anorexic patients?
Most anorexic patients are 12-25 years old and mostly young females.
How long does it take to become anorexic untreatably?
Experts believe that, after three years, anorexia becomes serious and not easily treatable.
Are there any Hollywood celebrities suffering from eating disorders?
Yes. There’s an entire Wikipedia page dedicated to celebrities with anorexia. Many Hollywood actors, as well as actresses, have different eating disorders.
What are some other ways to shed weight without harming yourself?
You should stay hydrated, eat more greens, and give up on junk food. There are many healthy ways you can get skinnier without becoming anorexic.
Conclusion
This article talks about eating disorders, particularly anorexia. While many don’t realize it, anorexia can immensely harm their health and well-being. An average young woman can pick up this condition in just 22 days. Many celebrities in the world in the past and the present have been victims of anorexia. However, this condition is treatable to such an extent that 46% of anorexic people recover completely. Get some help and eat enough meals. There are healthier alternatives to achieve your fitness goals. So, don’t deprive your body of nutrition by trying to become anorexic; instead, follow a healthy diet and exercise regime.