Anorexia nervosa (often called anorexia) is a serious eating disorder defined by significant food restriction and an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. While many individuals with anorexia may be at a low body weight, it’s important to know that this disorder affects people of all body sizes—including those who are considered “normal” weight and those in larger bodies.
Anorexia is not about vanity or a lifestyle choice. It is a complex brain disorder resulting from a combination of genetic, biological, and psychological factors. While environmental pressures like diet culture and social media can be contributing factors, they are never the sole cause. Anorexia develops from a unique convergence of influences.
Though anorexia is a life-threatening condition, complete and lasting recovery is achievable with proper treatment and support.
Concerned that you or a loved one may have anorexia?
Individuals showing some of these symptoms without meeting the full diagnostic criteria are often described as having ‘subthreshold anorexia.’ This condition is still dangerous and warrants treatment.
The physical signs of anorexia are primarily due to malnutrition and starvation. They can be severe and life-threatening.
- Significant Weight Loss: Dramatic and rapid weight loss is a hallmark sign.
- Lack of Expected Weight Gain: Kids and teens may halt in their expected growth curve, “falling off the growth chart”.
- Emaciated Appearance: The individual may look extremely thin.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy are common.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms can include constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, and an intolerance to certain foods.
- Intolerance to Cold: Feeling cold frequently, even in normal temperatures, due to a lower body temperature and loss of body fat.
- Hair and Skin Problems: Hair may become thin, brittle, or fall out. A fine, downy hair called lanugo may grow on the body. Skin can become dry and yellowish.
- Brittle Nails: Nails may become weak and break easily.
- Menstrual Irregularities: In females, there may be a loss of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) or irregular cycles.
- Dizziness and Fainting: These can occur due to low blood pressure and dehydration.
- Swelling: Swelling in the arms, legs, or face can be a sign of fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping or insomnia is common.
- Cardiovascular Issues: These can include a slow heart rate (bradycardia), low blood pressure (hypotension), and in severe cases, heart failure.
Behavioral symptoms are often attempts to control weight and are typically hidden from others.
- Food and Dieting Obsession: Preoccupation with food, calories, fat grams, and dieting.
- Restrictive Eating Patterns: Severely limiting the quantity of food eaten, often to the point of starvation. This may involve skipping meals or adopting rigid eating rituals.
- Fear of Gaining Weight: An intense and overwhelming fear of gaining even a small amount of weight.
- Distorted Body Image: Seeing oneself as overweight, even when dangerously underweight.
- Excessive Exercise: Compulsive and excessive exercise, even when ill or injured, as a way to burn calories.
- Food Rituals: Developing unusual habits around food, such as cutting food into tiny pieces, eating in a specific order, or refusing to eat in front of others.
- Use of Purging Methods: May engage in self-induced vomiting, or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas after eating.
- Denial of Hunger: Refusing to acknowledge feelings of hunger.
- Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social situations, especially those involving food.
- Wearing Baggy Clothes: Hiding weight loss or body shape by wearing loose or layered clothing.
- Frequent Weighing: Obsessively weighing oneself.
- Cooking for Others but Not Eating: Preparing elaborate meals for others but not consuming them.
These symptoms reflect the internal struggles and distorted thinking patterns associated with anorexia.
- Intense Fear of Being “Fat”: This fear is often irrational and does not align with the individual’s actual body weight.
- Low Self-Esteem: Self-worth is often heavily tied to body weight and shape.
- Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities are common.
- Anxiety: High levels of anxiety, particularly around mealtimes and food.
- Irritability and Mood Swings: Frequent changes in mood and increased irritability.
- Perfectionism: Striving for flawlessness in all areas of life, not just weight.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Tendencies: Displaying rigid thinking and repetitive behaviors.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Malnutrition can impair cognitive function, leading to problems with focus and memory.
- Denial of the Seriousness of the Illness: A lack of insight into the severity of the low body weight and its health consequences.
Anorexia Treatment
Anorexia is a significant eating disorder that cannot be overcome without expert help from specialists. Recovery is a personal journey, so treatment plans are customized to fit the individual’s unique goals, challenges, and lifestyle. The path to healing begins with two key steps: normalizing eating habits and, when necessary, restoring body weight. As these physical goals are met, many individuals find that their mental and emotional state naturally improves. A well-nourished brain functions more clearly, making this foundational step vital before a person can fully benefit from therapy. Comprehensive care involves a team of experts—typically a therapist, dietitian, and medical doctor—working together. Depending on the program, treatment can be enhanced with support groups, alternative therapies, and medication management, and may or may not include the participation of loved ones.
Anorexia is a battle. Recovery is the victory.
Anorexia is a deadly condition, but lasting recovery is possible. Research consistently shows that early intervention is one of the most critical factors for a successful outcome. If you think you or a loved one might be struggling with anorexia, it’s vital to find treatment promptly.