Anorexia is an eating disorder that leads to markedly reduced appetite or a complete aversion to food. People with anorexia constantly try to keep their weight as low as they can by not eating enough food. The condition, dubbed anorexia nervosa, goes well beyond the limits of healthy dieting. With anorexia, the drive to become thinner is actually secondary to concerns about control and/or fears relating to ones body. Anorexia is a serious psychological disorder that can take over a persons life and can be very difficult to overcome.
Here are some key features of anorexia:
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Symptoms: Anorexia can cause a variety of symptoms, including altered body image, low body weight, extreme fear of becoming fat, excessive physical activity, denial of hunger, fixation with food preparation, unusual eating behaviors, poor nutritional status, dehydration, stomach pain or bloating, constipation, lethargy or fatigue.
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Types: There are two types of anorexia: restrictive type and bulimic type. People with the restrictive type of anorexia severely limit the amount of food they eat, while those with the bulimic type eat too much food and then make themselves throw up.
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Risk factors: A person with anorexia is more likely to come from a family with a history of certain health problems, including weight problems, physical illness, and mental health problems. Mental health problems may include depression and substance use disorder.
If you think you may have anorexia, even if youre not sure, its important to seek help and support as soon as possible. You can see a GP or contact the National Eating Disorders Helpline for support, resources, and treatment options.
