Anorexia nervosa, often simply called anorexia, is a serious eating disorder that affects how a person thinks about food, weight, and body image. People with anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of their own body. This leads them to eat very little, exercise too much, or do both—often to the point of putting their health and even their life in danger.
Anorexia is more than just being on a diet or trying to stay slim. It’s a mental health condition that can affect anyone, although it is most common in teenage girls and young women. That said, boys, men, and people of all ages and backgrounds can develop anorexia too. Understanding the condition and how to get help is the first step toward recovery.
In this article, we’ll explore what anorexia is, what causes it, the different types, common symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.
What Is Anorexia?
Anorexia nervosa is a condition where a person tries to stay as thin as possible—usually by eating very little and sometimes by exercising excessively or using other methods to avoid gaining weight. Even when they are already underweight, people with anorexia may still feel that they are “fat” or not thin enough.
This disorder isn’t just about food—it’s often about control. For some, controlling what they eat or how much they weigh is a way to deal with stress, anxiety, or emotional pain. But over time, this behavior can take over their life. It can lead to serious health problems, including damage to the heart, bones, and organs, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening.
Causes and Types of Anorexia
There’s no single cause of anorexia. Like many mental health conditions, it usually results from a mix of factors. These can include genetic, emotional, psychological, and social influences. A person might be more likely to develop anorexia if they have a family history of eating disorders or mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Personality traits such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, and a strong desire to be in control can also play a role.
In addition, messages from the media and society that promote thinness as the ideal body type can make people feel pressure to look a certain way. For some, this can trigger unhealthy eating habits that develop into an eating disorder.
There are two main types of anorexia:
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Restricting type: This is the most common form. People with this type lose weight by severely limiting the amount of food they eat. They may also exercise too much or avoid eating altogether.
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Binge-eating/purging type: People with this type also restrict their eating, but at times they may eat large amounts of food and then try to get rid of it by vomiting, using laxatives, or exercising excessively. This type is similar in some ways to bulimia nervosa.
Both types of anorexia are dangerous and can cause serious physical and emotional harm.
Common Symptoms
Anorexia can affect nearly every part of the body and mind. The symptoms may start slowly and become more noticeable over time. They may include:
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Extreme weight loss or being noticeably underweight for one’s age and height
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Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even when already very thin
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Refusing to eat or eating very small portions
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Skipping meals or lying about having eaten
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Obsessing over calories, food, and dieting
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Exercising excessively, even when sick or injured
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Wearing baggy clothes to hide weight loss
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Having trouble focusing or feeling dizzy
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Losing hair or having dry skin
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Irregular or missed periods (in females)
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Feeling cold all the time due to low body fat
People with anorexia may also become socially withdrawn, avoid eating around others, or become very sensitive to comments about their body or eating habits. These symptoms can lead to serious complications, including heart problems, bone loss, and organ damage.
How Anorexia Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing anorexia involves more than just looking at weight. A healthcare provider will start with a full medical evaluation, including questions about eating habits, thoughts about food and body image, and emotional well-being. They will likely check weight, height, vital signs, and do blood tests to look for signs of malnutrition or other health problems.
In many cases, a mental health professional will be involved in the diagnosis. They use specific guidelines to determine whether a person meets the criteria for anorexia, including having a low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted view of one’s own body.
Getting an early diagnosis is important, as the longer the disorder goes untreated, the harder it can be to recover. But with the right help and support, recovery is possible—no matter how long someone has been struggling.
Treatment Options That Can Help
Treating anorexia usually involves a team approach. This means doctors, therapists, dietitians, and sometimes family members all working together to help the person recover physically and emotionally. Treatment can take place in different settings, depending on the severity of the disorder.
Some of the most common treatment options include:
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Medical care: The first step is often to stabilize the person’s physical health. This may include treating malnutrition, monitoring vital signs, and addressing any organ damage or other health issues.
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Nutritional counseling: A registered dietitian can help create a healthy meal plan and teach the person how to nourish their body again. The goal is to restore a healthy weight and normal eating habits.
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Therapy: Mental health counseling is a key part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help change negative thoughts and behaviors around food and body image. Family-based therapy can also be helpful, especially for teens.
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Medications: While there is no specific drug to treat anorexia itself, some people benefit from medications for related issues like anxiety or depression.
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Hospital or residential care: In severe cases, a person may need to stay in a hospital or treatment center to receive 24-hour care until they are stable and strong enough to continue recovery at home.
Treatment is not quick, and recovery doesn’t happen overnight. But with time, patience, and the right support, people with anorexia can rebuild their health and learn to have a healthier relationship with food and their body.
