Anorexia is an eating disorder. People with it obsess about their weight. Those affected have an extreme fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though they are severely underweight for their height. About 1 in 100 women in the U.S. have this condition. It's most often seen in women in their late teens and twenties. A much smaller percentage of men also have this disorder.
Symptoms include extreme low-calorie diets, fasting, misusing medicines (like laxatives), and overexercising to lose weight. Some people eat enough calories, but they induce vomiting or diarrhea. When taken to an extreme, these behaviors change the body’s chemistry. This can cause permanent damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, bones, and teeth. Anorexia can even be life-threatening.
Other symptoms include:
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Severe weight loss.
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Confusion.
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Vomiting and diarrhea.
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Indigestion, acid reflux heartburn, and belly pain.
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Blood in the vomit or stool.
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A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.
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Trouble breathing.
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Lack of energy.
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Low blood pressure and fainting.
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Seizures.
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Skin color changes and dry skin.
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Hair loss.
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Periods that stop or become irregular.
Depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can happen with anorexia. Suicide due to depression is a major cause of death in people with this illness.
Many things can lead to anorexia. Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem and perfectionism, are common. By focusing on weight loss, the person can ignore other causes of stress that are too painful or seem impossible to solve. Anorexia runs in families. There is a 10 times increased risk for a girl to get this illness if a sister has anorexia. Changes in brain chemistry may also be a factor. Another cause may include influence from family and peers.
Treatment involves one-on-one, group, and family therapy. Any depression or OCD may need to be treated with medicines. The treatment is mainly to restore normal body weight and eating habits. A weight gain of 1 to 3 pounds (0.5 to 1.5 kilograms) per week is considered a safe goal. Hospitalization is sometimes needed to treat dangerously low weights. A nutritionist can help improve diets and eating habits.
Home care
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You and your doctor will decide how much support you need.
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In addition to seeing a therapist or counselor, talk about your feelings and thoughts with a friend or family member who supports you.
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Use care when reading online suggestions from people who aren't medical professionals about managing anorexia. Talk with your doctor before trying any new treatments or stopping any current recommended treatments.
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If you were given a prescription medicine, be sure to take it as directed. Don't stop taking it without talking with your doctor.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your doctor, or as advised.
Call 911
Call
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Trouble breathing.
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Confusion.
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Drowsiness or trouble waking.
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A loss of consciousness (fainting).
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A rapid or very slow heart rate.
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A seizure
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New chest pain that becomes more severe, lasts longer, or spreads into your shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, or back.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or another, call or text
When to get medical advice
Contact your doctor right away if:
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Your depression or anxiety gets worse.
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You feel out of control or can't care for yourself.
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You keep losing weight.
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Your skin or eyes are yellow.
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You feel dizzy or weak.
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You have belly pain.
