Obesity vs. Anorexia: Two Serious but Distinct Eating Disorders

Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²)

• Pathophysiology: Chronic positive energy balance; complex neuroendocrine dysregulation (leptin resistance, ghrelin, insulin).
• Complications: T2DM, HTN, dyslipidemia, OSA, NAFLD, OA, infertility, depression, cancer (13 types).

Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

• Core: Restriction → significantly low weight; intense fear of gain; body image disturbance.
• Subtypes: Restricting vs. binge-eating/purging.
• Medical sequelae: Starvation (bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia), electrolyte chaos (hypoK, hypoMg, hypoP), refeeding syndrome risk, osteoporosis, amenorrhea, lanugo, cardiac atrophy, cognitive impairment.

Shared Burden

• High mortality (AN: highest of any psychiatric disorder; obesity: reduced life expectancy).
• Stigma, treatment gaps, need for multidisciplinary care (medical, nutritional, psychiatric).

Both are chronic diseases requiring compassion, not judgment.