Overview

Anorexia nervosa, commonly known as anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight. Individuals with anorexia engage in extreme efforts to control their weight and shape, often significantly disrupting their lives.

People with anorexia resort to various methods to prevent weight gain, such as severe food restriction, vomiting after eating, misusing laxatives, diuretics, or enemas, and excessive exercising. Despite significant weight loss, individuals with anorexia continue to fear gaining weight, equating thinness with self-worth.

Underlying anorexia is an attempt to cope with emotional problems, making it an extremely unhealthy and potentially life-threatening condition. Treatment can help individuals regain a healthier sense of self, adopt healthier eating habits, and address the serious complications associated with anorexia.

Symptoms

The physical signs and symptoms of anorexia are related to malnutrition. Besides physical issues, anorexia involves emotional and behavioral problems, including an unrealistic perception of body weight and an intense fear of gaining weight.

Physical symptoms of anorexia may include extreme weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, thinning hair, absence of menstruation, irregular heart rhythms, and others. Emotional and behavioral signs include restricting food intake, excessive exercise, denial of hunger, obsession with food, and preoccupation with body image.

Causes

The exact cause of anorexia is not fully understood. It is likely a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Genetic changes may increase the risk of anorexia, along with obsessive-compulsive personality traits, extreme perfectionism, and high levels of anxiety. Environmental factors, such as societal emphasis on thinness and peer pressure, may contribute to the development of anorexia.

It is more common in girls and women, but boys and men are increasingly affected, possibly due to societal pressures. Certain factors, such as genetics, dieting, and transitions in life, increase the risk of anorexia.

Complications

Anorexia can lead to severe complications and, in extreme cases, even death. Physical complications include anemia, heart problems, bone loss, loss of muscle, gastrointestinal issues, electrolyte abnormalities, and kidney problems. Moreover, individuals with anorexia often experience other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and substance misuse. Self-injury and suicidal thoughts may also be present.

Prevention

Preventing anorexia is challenging, but early identification and intervention can be beneficial. Healthcare providers can inquire about eating habits and body image during routine medical appointments to identify potential indicators of anorexia. Family members and friends can be observant of low self-esteem, extreme dieting, and dissatisfaction with appearance, and offer support and intervention when needed.

While preventing an eating disorder entirely may not be possible, discussing healthier behaviors and treatment options can be helpful for those at risk of developing anorexia.