Overview
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by restricting food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted view of body weight or shape. It can cause dangerous physical complications and has one of the highest risks of any mental health condition, so early help matters greatly.
Symptoms
- Severe restriction of food and very low body weight
- Intense fear of gaining weight despite being underweight
- Distorted perception of body shape or size
- Excessive exercise or other ways of controlling weight
- Preoccupation with food, calories and dieting
- Physical signs like cold intolerance, dizziness or absent periods
Causes & risk factors
- Genetic and biological vulnerability
- Psychological factors such as perfectionism and low self-esteem
- Social and cultural pressures about appearance
- Stressful events or transitions as triggers
Treatment & self-care
Treatment is multidisciplinary — specialist talking therapy, nutritional rehabilitation and medical monitoring, sometimes in hospital if weight is dangerously low. A GP, eating-disorder specialist and dietitian coordinate care; recovery is possible with timely support.
See a doctor urgently if
- Rapid or significant weight loss or very restricted eating
- Fainting, palpitations, chest pain or severe weakness (seek urgent care)
- Stopping periods, extreme fatigue or feeling cold all the time
- Any thoughts of self-harm or suicide
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number — do not wait for an online consultation.