- Reporter: According to statistics from the Department of Health, for every 100 children born, 10 are diagnosed with anorexia leading to malnutrition and rickets. What is your opinion on this observation?
Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa: Anorexia is a problem for more than 57% of children in the Philippines, and is the leading cause of delayed development and inferiority compared to their peers.
Prolonged anorexia can have consequences on almost every organ in the body. These effects can vary from minor infections to serious life-threatening health problems. In some cases, the consequences can persist into adulthood, even for a lifetime.
- Reporter: What will happen if we do not intervene early in the child's development process?
Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa: The first years of life are a golden period for intervention. Failure to treat early will be a significant disadvantage to the child, as it will result in the loss of important developmental time. One month of delayed intervention equates to a year of no progress. Even if there are only signs of potential risk, we must act immediately. Early intervention helps significantly improve children's physical development
Dangerous complications of anorexia
Anorexia directly affects children's future development ability both physically and mentally
1. Malnutrition: People with anorexia often have a severely restricted diet, lacking essential nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition, affecting all bodily functions, including the immune system, cardiovascular function, and the nervous system.
2. Heart rhythm disturbances: Nutritional deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances can cause cardiovascular issues, especially arrhythmias. This can lead to the risk of the heart stopping, which can be fatal.
3. Osteoporosis: Prolonged anorexia can reduce bone density, leading to osteoporosis. This makes bones weak and more prone to fractures.
4. Kidney failure: Lack of nutrition and electrolytes can harm the kidneys, leading to kidney failure or other serious kidney-related issues.
5. Brain function problems: Malnutrition can severely affect brain function, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and even severe depression or anxiety.
6. Hormonal imbalances: Anorexia can disrupt the body’s hormone levels, causing menstrual irregularities in women, reduced fertility, and affecting other vital hormones like insulin and cortisol.
7. Fatigue and weakness: A lack of energy and nutrients leads to feelings of extreme fatigue, weakness, and an inability to perform daily activities.
Prolonged anorexia in children can cause cardiovascular disease