Anorexia nervosa has the second mortality rate higher among psychiatric diseases. This mental disorder is characterized by a persistent restriction of the Food intakean intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body image. And although it is more common in teenagers and young womenmore and more looks at an early ages, in men and in different cultures.
Most deaths occur by physical complications or by suicide.
Anorexia nervosa: a problem with many facets
The problem goes beyond a simple weight loss. The physical and mental impact of anorexia is deep, and affects both the quality and life expectancy of those who suffer from it.
TO Mental levelAnorexia nervosa usually associates with anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, factors that hinder recovery.
From the physical point of view, the prolonged lack of energy reduces muscle mass and fat reserves. That can lead to serious problems such as cardiac alterationsloss of bone density (osteoporosis) or hormonal imbalances, significantly increasing the risk of disease and mortality.
In these circumstances of lack of energy and muscle weakness, what is better, rest to avoid greater wear or practice physical exercise? So far there were diversity of criteria among doctors, but scientific evidence incline the balance in favor of the second.
Read more: How to identify whether there is an eating disorder in our environment
How is anorexia nervosa
He treatment of anorexia nervosa is integral. It includes a medical intervention for physical complications, as well as psychological therapy for cognitive and behavioral aspects. The problem is that it usually works only in the short term since, due to a phenomenon known as “revolving door”, Relapse and re -entry rates are usually high, which contributes to the disorder becoming chronic.
A key moment in recovery is the transition from the hospital – in admitted people – to daily life. It is a challenge, since it implies that people with anorexia nervosa must adapt and recover healthy habits.
I exercise without obsessing by the weight
As there are no clear guides or specialists in exercise prescription, many doctors choose conservative approaches such as rest or total or partial prohibition of activity.
Those who advise to resume it, do not offer sufficient guidelines to patients, so resuming physical activity becomes improvised, without scientific support or adjusted nutritional planning. Frequently, this leads to a pattern of unhealthy exercisecharacterized by rigidity, obsession and a motivation focused on concern for weight and body shape.
This type of exercise, which is usually used as an emotional regulation mechanism, lacks enjoyment for the patient and negatively affects their psychosocial well -being. In addition, often, it is done despite the presence of injuries or physical discomfort. About 31 % of patients practice it from the beginning of the disease, a percentage that increases up to 80 % before hospitalization.
Read more: Physical exercise helps medical treatments work better
Anorexia nervosa: towards a healthy and supervised physical exercise
In order for physical exercise to be a useful tool, it must be planned and supervised carefully, with qualified professionals. He strength training It is one of the most appropriate, effective modalities to recover muscle mass and to improve the quality of life. In addition, if it is correctly designed, the exercise also improves psychological aspects such as self -esteem, anxiety, body image or mood. All this without negatively interfering with nutritional recovery.
The Diana project
There are research projects that apply these principles in real clinical environments, such as The Diana project. This initiative, which applies a structured strength training program, aims to integrate the safe and supervised physical exercise in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.
The protocol evaluates body composition, strength, cardiorespiratory function, physical activity and mental health.
Patients who completed the 10 -week force program experienced positive changes in several parameters of body composition, such as body mass index and muscle mass, in addition, also in force (time reduction in the test “Sit-to-Stand”).
But, apart from physical advances, the most relevant impact occurred on mental health. Not only was there a decrease in concern about body shape and food, but also improvements in psychological discomfort, reducing both somatization and anxiety. The exercise ceased to be used as a means to control weight or as compensatory behavior.
The results reinforce the value of supervised physical exercise as a complement to the treatment of anorexia and open a promising door towards a more complete recovery.
