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Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder marked by refusal to maintain an acceptable weight, intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image and self-starvation. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. People who have anorexia deny their hunger and refuse to eat — even after extreme weight loss.
People who have anorexia may look, feel, think or behave in the following ways.
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Appearance-
Low body weight (15 percent or more below normal body weight)
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Hair loss, dry skin and brittle nails
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Growth of fine hair on the body and face
Other physical signs-
Reduced body temperature and sensitivity to cold
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Cold hands and feet
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Dizziness and lightheadedness
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Loss of menstrual period in women
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Reduced testosterone levels in men
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Slowed heart rate
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Low blood pressure
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Muscle weakness
Eating habits-
Excessive dieting, food rituals and fasting
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Eliminating entire food groups
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Skipping meals
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Filling up only on low-calorie foods or using gum and water to feel full
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Tension at mealtimes; sometimes refusing to eat with family or friends
Behavior-
Obsession with food and eating — constantly talking about food, calories and being fat
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Exercising excessively to make up for eating
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Frequently weighing themselves
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Layering clothes to hide weight loss
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Isolating themselves from others
Thoughts and emotions-
Depression
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Irritability
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Distorted body image
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Low sense of self-worth
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Intense fear of becoming fat
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Perfectionism — wanting to be the thinnest, smartest, neatest
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Difficulty thinking clearly, poor concentration
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Denial — usually does not want help
If you are concerned about someone who has several of these signs, suggest he or she schedule an initial assessment at Melrose Institute.
Find help now. Schedule an initial assessment.
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