People with this disorder have an intense fear of gaining weight. They’re willing to use unhealthy and extreme measures to control their calorie intake. Sometimes people with anorexia will also exercise compulsively, vomit after eating, use laxatives, take medicine, or binge eat.
Physical Symptoms
Extreme weight lossVery low body weightFatigueInsomniaAbnormal blood countsFainting or dizzinessThin or brittle hairFine hair that covers your bodyBlue fingersDry, blotchy, or yellow skinIrregular menstrual periods (in women)Feeling cold all the timeConstipationStomach painIrregular heartbeatLow blood pressureDehydrationSwelling in the arms or legsWeak musclesPoor memoryDiscolored teeth or other dental issuesCuts or calluses on your knuckles (from induced vomiting)
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
Being preoccupied with weight or foodEating very little or not eating at allRefusing to eat around othersLying about how much you eatTaking laxatives or diet pillsMaking yourself vomitExercising excessivelyBeing irritable or moodyWithdrawing from social situationsWearing layers of clothing to cover up your bodyWeighing yourself constantlyComplaining about being fat
Girls typically develop anorexia around age 16 or 17. Teenage girls and women in their early twenties have the highest risk.
Having a close family member with an eating disorderDietingGoing through a life change (such as starting a new job or the death of a loved one)
Biological factors Some people may have genetic changes that put them at risk for anorexia.Psychological factors Anorexia is linked to obsessive-compulsive personality traits and anxiety. People with these psychological conditions may have a higher risk of developing anorexia.Environmental factors Social experiences and cultural expectations may play a role in anorexia.
Anorexia vs. Other Eating Disorders
Anorexia is different from other eating disorders, such as bulimia and binge eating disorder, even though they share some symptoms. The key difference is people with anorexia don’t eat enough, while those with bulimia and binge eating disorders have episodes of eating large amounts of food and then trying to get rid of the calories. If you have anorexia, you’re usually underweight. People with bulimia may be normal or above-normal weight. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, behaviors, and medical history. You’ll probably have a physical exam and additional tests, such as a blood draw or urine test, to rule out other problems.
Prognosis of Anorexia
When it comes to anorexia, your prognosis will depend on the severity of the illness, the treatment you receive, and other factors.
Nutrition counseling You’ll work with a dietitian or other medical professional to devise an eating plan that will help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.Psychotherapy This type of “talk therapy” can change your thoughts and behaviors.Support groups Sharing your story with others in a group setting may help your recovery.Hospitalization In severe cases, hospitalization is necessary to monitor health problems and help you recover.
Many clinics specialize in treating eating disorders like anorexia. Talk to your doctor about finding the best facility for your needs.
Organ damageAnemiaHeart problemsBone lossStomach issues, such as bloating, constipation, or nauseaLoss of muscleKidney problemsElectrolyte issues, such low potassium, sodium, and chlorideLack of menstrual periods (in women)Lower testosterone (in men)
If you lose an extreme amount of weight, you might not ovulate (release an egg from the ovary) each month, which makes it difficult to conceive. Anorexia can also raise your risk of having a:
MiscarriagePremature birthC-section deliveryLow-birth-weight baby
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)DepressionAnxietyBulimia nervosa
NEDA is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders, including anorexia. Eating Disorder Hope Eating Disorder Hope offers a host of resources, including online support groups that are led by professional counselors. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Related Disorders (ANAD) This association seeks to offer support to help improve the problems associated with eating disorders, especially anorexia and bulimia. Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness This nonprofit provides programs to promote education, outreach, and advocacy for people who are affected by eating disorders.
