Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms, Characteristics & Warning Signs

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder that is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, an unhealthy desire to be thin, and a disturbance in the way a person perceives their body. People with AN often have a distorted body image and may see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight.

Some characteristics of anorexia include:

- Restriction of food intake: People with AN severely restrict the amount of food they eat, which can lead to malnutrition and other health problems.

- Excessive exercise: People with AN may exercise excessively in an attempt to burn off calories and lose weight.

- Distorted body image: People with AN often have a distorted body image and may see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight.

- Amenorrhea: Women with AN may stop having their menstrual periods due to the hormonal imbalances caused by malnutrition.

- Low heart rate and blood pressure: People with AN may have a low heart rate and blood pressure due to malnutrition and dehydration.

- Brittle hair and nails: People with AN may have brittle hair and nails due to malnutrition.

- Dry skin: People with AN may have dry skin due to malnutrition.

- Constipation: People with AN may have constipation due to malnutrition and dehydration.

- Fatigue: People with AN may feel tired and fatigued due to malnutrition.

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness that can have life-threatening consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please seek professional help.