What Is Anorexia

What is anorexia?
Anorexia (anorexia nervosa) is an eating disorder in which you restrict the

number of calories you consume, resulting in a nutrient deficit and often — but
not always — a very low body weight. People with anorexia also have an
intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. They often don’t
recognize the seriousness of the condition.
If you think frequently about food and your weight, you’re not alone. This is
very common — especially in today’s society. But obsessing over food and
your weight can be a sign of a bigger problem. If you — or a loved one —
develop a deep concern or fear of gaining weight, seek professional help as soon
as possible. Anorexia is both a mental and physical condition. Without
treatment, it can lead to malnutrition, serious health issues and even death.
Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia that are side effects of starvation and
malnutrition include:
 Dizziness and/or fainting.

 Fatigue.
 Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
 Low blood pressure (hypotension).
 Feeling cold all the time.
 Absent periods (amenorrhea) or irregular menstrual periods.
 Bloating and/or abdominal pain.
 Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass.
 Dry skin, brittle nails and/or thinning hair.
 Poor wound healing and frequent illness.
What causes anorexia?
Anorexia is a complex condition. There’s no single cause. Research suggests

that a combination of certain factors might be responsible, like:
Genetics: Research suggests that approximately 50% to 80% of the risk of

developing an eating disorder is genetic. People with first-degree relatives
(biological siblings or parents) with an eating disorder are 10 times more likely
to develop one.
Brain changes: Changes in brain chemistry may play a role, particularly

changes to your brain’s reward system and balance of neurotransmitters
(chemical messengers). Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can
affect appetite, mood and impulse regulation.
Trauma: Many experts believe that eating disorders happen when someone
attempts to cope with overwhelming feelings and painful emotions by having
intense control over something else. In the case of anorexia, it’s controlling how
much food you consume. Physical abuse or sexual assault, for example, can
contribute to some people developing an eating disorder.
Environment and culture: Cultures that idealize a particular body type —

usually “thin” bodies — can place unnecessary pressure on people to achieve
unrealistic body standards. Popular culture, social media and advertising images
often link thinness to popularity, success, beauty and happiness.
Peer pressure: Particularly for children and adolescents, peer pressure can be a
very powerful force. Experiencing teasing or bullying because of appearance or
weight can contribute to the development of anorexia.
Emotional health: Perfectionism, impulsive behavior and difficult relationships

can all play a role in lowering your self-esteem and perceived self-worth. This
can make you vulnerable to developing anorexia.
It’s important to note that there’s no single path to an eating disorder or

anorexia. For many people, irregular eating behaviors (also called disordered
eating) make up an inappropriate coping strategy that becomes permanent over
time. This disordered eating pathway is true for some, but not all, who develop
anorexia.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is anorexia diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can diagnose anorexia nervosa based on the criteria for it
listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The three criteria include:
1. Restriction of calorie consumption that leads to weight loss or a failure to

gain weight. This results in a significantly low body weight based on your
age, sex, height and stage of growth.
2. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming “fat.”
3. Having a distorted view of yourself and the seriousness of the state of
your health.

What Is Anorexia

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What Is Anorexia

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What is anorexia?

Anorexia (anorexia nervosa) is an eating disorder in which you restrict the

 Dizziness and/or fainting.

What causes anorexia?

Anorexia is a complex condition. There’s no single cause. Research suggests

Genetics: Research suggests that approximately 50% to 80% of the risk of

Brain changes: Changes in brain chemistry may play a role, particularly

Environment and culture: Cultures that idealize a particular body type —

Emotional health: Perfectionism, impulsive behavior and difficult relationships

It’s important to note that there’s no single path to an eating disorder or

Diagnosis and Tests

How is anorexia diagnosed?

1. Restriction of calorie consumption that leads to weight loss or a failure to

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