Anorexia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. People with anorexia nervosa, often simply called anorexia, have an abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body weight. People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, using extreme efforts that tend to significantly interfere with activities in their lives.
To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight, people with anorexia usually severely restrict the amount of food they eat. They may control calorie intake by vomiting after eating or by misusing laxatives, diet aids, diuretics or enemas. They may also try to lose weight by exercising excessively.
The physical signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa are related to starvation, but the disorder also includes emotional and behavior issues related to an unrealistic perception of body weight and an extremely strong fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.
An individual suffering from anorexia may have one or more signs and symptoms such as:
- Chronic dieting despite being extremely underweight
- Obsession with calories and fat contents of food
- Engaging in ritualistic eating patterns
- Continued fixation with food, recipes, or cooking
- Amenorrhea: an abnormal absence of menstruation
- Depression or lethargic state
- Development of lanugo: soft, fine hair that grows on face and body
- Reported sensation of feeling cold, particularly in extremities
- Loss or thinning of hair
- Avoidance of social functions, family and friends. May become isolated and withdrawn