Anorexia Nervosa: Recognizing Symptoms & Seeking Help

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by obsessive attention to food consumption and body shape which can result in severely restricted calorie intake and a variety of symptoms.

Weight Loss

• Anorexia often leads to dramatic weight loss, which can lead to noticeable changes in body shape. In some cases ribs and other bones may become plainly visible due to lack of body fat.

Fatigue

• Anorexia can cause malnutrition, which leads to a lack of calories that the body can burn as energy, which can lead to fatigue and dizziness.

Deterioration

• Anorexia can lead to deterioration of the body such as thinning of the hair and nails, and stopping menstruation in females. The body may become less resistant to cold due to lack of fat and muscle mass.

Exercise

• People with anorexia may exercise constantly in addition to eating very little. Exercising at strange hours or long hours every day may be a sign of anorexia.

Circulatory Issues

• Anorexia can lead to low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. This can potentially lead to heart failure.