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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 have certain physical signs. They also may show signs emotionally or in the way they think and act.
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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Lowered resistance to infection
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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 appointment with a primary care doctor.
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