What is anorexia?

Anorexia, or anorexia nervosa, is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by an obsession with thinness, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.

People with anorexia try to control their weight by eating very little, exercising excessively, or using other means to lose weight, such as taking laxatives. This disorder has serious physical and psychological consequences.

People with anorexia often lose a lot of weight and become malnourished, even though they often believe they are still overweight. People with anorexia often have a distorted body image, seeing themselves as fat, even when they are dangerously thin. They restrict their food intake to extremes, sometimes to just a few calories per day. They may also avoid specific food groups entirely. Many people with anorexia compensate for their food intake by exercising excessively to burn calories.

They often obsess over food, calories, and weight. This can lead to rituals such as eating small amounts of food slowly, or avoiding meals in front of others.

The exact cause of anorexia is unknown, but it is likely a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of anorexia, it is important to seek professional help.

Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eat.24059

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-13 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024