Anorexia & Bulimia: Symptoms, Signs, and Health Risks

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are eating disorders that can seriously affect a person's physical and mental health.

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and an extremely restricted food intake. People with anorexia nervosa may:

- Be extremely thin

- Have a low heart rate and blood pressure

- Feel cold all the time

- Be constipated

- Have dry skin and hair

- Have difficulty sleeping

- Feel depressed and anxious

- Withdraw from social activities

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating followed by purging. People with bulimia nervosa may:

- Have a normal weight or be overweight

- Binge on large amounts of food in a short period of time

- Purge by vomiting, taking laxatives, or exercising excessively

- Have swollen glands in the neck

- Have dental problems

- Have calluses on the knuckles (from purging)

- Feel depressed and anxious

- Withdraw from social activities

If you think you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.