Understanding Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe restriction of food intake. It affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds but is most common in adolescents and young adults, particularly females.

What Is Anorexia Nervosa?

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), anorexia nervosa is defined as a mental health condition where individuals intentionally keep their body weight significantly below a healthy level. This is often achieved through extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and/or the misuse of laxatives or appetite suppressants.

There are two main types:

• Restricting type – primarily involves severe restriction of food intake
• Binge-eating/purging type – includes episodes of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxative use)
  

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Extreme weight loss or being underweight for age/height
• Obsession with food, dieting, and body size
• Distorted body image
• Avoidance of meals or eating in public
• Excessive exercise
• Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
• Hair thinning, dry skin, or lanugo (fine hair growth)
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods
• Irritability or withdrawal from social settings
  

Physical and Psychological Risks

Anorexia can lead to a range of serious health complications, including:

• Malnutrition
• Osteoporosis
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Heart problems (e.g., bradycardia, arrhythmias)
• Fertility issues
• Cognitive impairment
• Depression, anxiety, and increased suicide risk

If left untreated, anorexia nervosa can be fatal, with one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric disorders.

Causes and Risk Factors

Anorexia is a complex condition with no single cause. Factors may include:

• Genetics – Family history of eating disorders or mental illness
• Psychological traits – Perfectionism, low self-esteem, anxiety
• Cultural and social pressures – Idealisation of thinness in media
• Trauma or abuse
• Peer influence and bullying (especially related to body image)
  

Treatment and Recovery

Recovery from anorexia is possible with the right support and intervention. Treatment may involve:

• Nutritional rehabilitation (working with a registered dietitian)
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-E) or other psychological therapies
• Family-based therapy (especially in younger individuals)
• Medical monitoring and support
• Inpatient or specialist eating disorder units (for severe cases)

Early intervention is associated with better outcomes. Full recovery can take time but is achievable with a comprehensive, individualised approach.

Supporting Someone With Anorexia

• Avoid commenting on appearance or weight
• Offer support and listen without judgment
• Encourage professional help (GP, therapist, or registered dietitian)
• Learn more to understand their experience
  

Helpful Resources

• BEAT Eating Disorders (UK) – www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
• NHS Eating Disorder Support – www.nhs.uk
• Mind UK – www.mind.org.uk

Sources

BEAT. (2024). About Anorexia. [online] Available at: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types/anorexia/
Fairburn, C. G. (2008). Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders. New York: Guilford Press.
NHS. (2023). Anorexia nervosa. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk
NICE. (2020). Eating disorders: recognition and treatment (NG69). [online] Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng69
Treasure, J., Duarte, T. A., & Schmidt, U. (2020). Eating disorders. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7(12), 1047–1056.