Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder characterized by extreme efforts to keep one’s body weight as low as possible and oftentimes involves having a distorted body image. People with anorexia try to lose weight by restricting the amount and/or type of food they eat, by engaging in extreme exercise, or both.
To be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa according to the DSM-5, the following criteria must be met:
Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements leads to a significantly low body weight in the context of age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health.
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.
Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight.
However, even if one does not meet all of the DSM-5 criteria, they may still have a serious mental disorder. For example, individuals with anorexia may not be underweight despite significant weight loss.
Some typical traits of anorexia include:
missing or avoiding certain types of food seen as ‘fattening’
denying feelings of hunger
being preoccupied with food, calories, weight, and dieting
intense fear of gaining weight
withdrawing from usual friends and activities / becoming isolated
menstrual irregularities (for postmenstrual females)
fatigue
hair loss
Constantly feeling cold
Anorexia leads the body into a malnourished state with a lack of nutrition to function normally. Thus, the body is forced to reduce its activities and slow down all processes to conserve energy. This leads to serious health issues such as low bone density, loss of muscles, weaker heart, other mental health disorders, and much more. Anorexia is fatal as patients may die from suicide, nutritional imbalances, or heart issues.
It can take time, but anorexia is a disorder that can be fully cured. Treatments are different for every patient, so it is important you get help from health professionals. The goals of treatment would be to
help you reach a healthy weight
assist in dealing with distorted body images and emotional issues
develop long-term behavioral changes
Treatments are often done through counseling, nutrition assistance, medication, and family/group therapy. In severe cases, one may be hospitalized to treat severe weight loss, monitor health conditions, and prevent suicide.
If you think that you or someone you know may have anorexia, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can consult nearby hospitals, family members, and friends. If you have a friend or family member with anorexia, tell them that you are worried about them and encourage them to see a health professional. The sooner it’s diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. The day you realize is the day the recovery journey starts.
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