What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that impacts people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, cultures and socioeconomic groups.
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Ten fast facts about anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is not a choice; it is a complex and potentially life-threatening illness.
Are fixated on their body size, weight and shape
Do not consume enough nutrients to maintain their weight.
Often have a distorted body image.
Can potentially suffer health complications in every organ in the body.
Face a mortality rate five times greater than their peers [1].
Likely experienced early dieting, being teased about their weight, peer pressure to be “thin” or sexual trauma while growing up [2].
Face a higher chance of having an eating disorder if they identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community [2].
Can increase the chance of recovering by seeking eating disorder treatment early [2].
Often do better in treatment and recovery with the help of a caregiver or family member [2].
Can find full recovery when following the recommendations of experienced eating disorder treatment professionals.
ANOREXIA SYMPTOMS
What are the warning signs of anorexia nervosa?
Common anorexia symptoms include:
Weight loss
Hair thinning/loss
Dry skin
Lack of menstrual cycle
Fine, downy hair growth on arms, face and other body parts (lanugo)
Low heart rate (bradycardia)
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Along with these physical signs, people with anorexia often display certain behaviors. Watch for:
Excessive or compulsive exercise
Calorie restriction
Cutting out foods or entire categories of foods
Fear of weight gain
Refusing to eat
Odd eating habits or food rituals
Social withdrawal or isolation
Do I have anorexia?
What causes anorexia nervosa?
When it comes to understanding the cause of anorexia, the answer is not simple. Multiple factors contribute to the development of the illness, including:
Biological
Psychological
Sociocultural
Certain factors have been linked to anorexia, including having a family history of eating disorders or mental health concerns or going through a traumatic event. Other factors can also lead to the development of an eating disorder.
How does anorexia affect the body?
Eating disorders like anorexia can affect nearly every organ system of the body. Short-term health risks include:
Weight loss
Fatigue
Dehydration
If untreated, people may experience additional long-term health risks.
Long-term health risks of anorexia nervosa
Malnutrition
Bone health issues (osteoporosis, osteopenia, fractures)
Seizures
Anemia
Infertility
Death
To reduce these risks, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can increase the chance of a full recovery.
How is anorexia nervosa treated?
Addressing co-occurring physical, emotional and mental health concerns
Psychoeducation and therapy
Medication management
Family involvement is often encouraged, especially for children and adolescents with eating disorders. Individual, family and group therapy is often incorporated into the treatment day.
Get help from the nation’s experts
Since 2008, Eating Recovery Center has helped over 30,000 individuals in their healing journey, more than any other eating disorder treatment center. If you or someone you care about might be struggling with an eating disorder, we invite you to reach out for help today. We are uniquely able to match individuals with the appropriate level of care, offering you the largest alumni network and most robust family support ecosystem in the country. Find recovery in one of our many treatment options, including:
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Anorexia FAQs
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Anorexia nervosa can be very dangerous. Without treatment, people face a higher risk of dying. Deaths are often due to malnutrition, serious health complications or suicide.
Yes, you can be diagnosed with anorexia even if you are not underweight. People experiencing symptoms and health risks of anorexia, without a very low body weight, can be diagnosed with atypical anorexia nervosa. The number of people diagnosed with atypical anorexia is growing. [3].
Anorexia nervosa is associated with multiple physical and mental health concerns, including:
A dangerously low weight or dramatic weight loss
Lack of menses
Dry, thinning hair
Dry skin
Fear of gaining weight
Refusing to eat
Fatigue
Dehydration
Anxiety
Social withdrawal
Trouble concentrating
First, the eating disorder treatment team will want to make sure that you are physically and emotionally stable. Once you are stable, eating disorder psychiatrists, registered dietitians, licensed therapists and other professionals provide nutritional and emotional support, education and opportunities to build new skills. Find help at the only fully vertically integrated eating disorder program in the world at ERC.
Weight loss, food restriction, excessive exercise, and fear of weight gain are some of the most obvious warning signs of anorexia nervosa. When a person is suddenly obsessed with dieting, withdrawing socially, performing poorly in school or at work, or experiencing unexplained health complications, these are signs that they may have an eating disorder.
Anorexia Resources
In this library of anorexia nervosa resources, you’ll find effective resources to support your loved one’s journey.
Anorexia Resources
Anorexia Books
Anorexia Blogs
References
1. Arcelus, J; Mitchell, AJ; Wales, J; Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: A meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry 68:724-31.
2. Mehler, P.S., & Andersen, A.E. (2022). Eating disorders: A comprehensive guide to medical care and complications (4th ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press.
3. Harrop, E.N., Mensinger, J.L., Moore, M. & Lindhorst, T. (2021). Restrictive eating disorders in higher weight persons: A systematic review of atypical anorexia nervosa prevalence and consecutive admission literature. International Journal of Eating Disorders: 54(8); 1328-1357.