Anorexia Nervosa: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Healthier Life

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where you have an extreme fear of eating. You are always hungry but refuse to eat because of fear of gaining weight. You have an unreasonable fear of weight gain and are never satisfied with your weight. You perceive yourself as overweight and exercise heavily in addition to following a strict diet to reduce weight when you are already below your normal weight.

Who Gets Anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa generally affects those in show business or sports fields where weight and looks are very important. This condition is more prevalent among women than men, but there has been a gradual increase among men in recent times.

Anorexia nervosa is prevalent among,

• Actors
• Models
• Dancers
• Gymnasts
• Wrestlers
• Boxers
• Figure skaters

Character traits of the high-risk group,

• High achievers
• Perfectionists
• Obsessive
• Anxious
• Depressive

Anorexia generally strikes during puberty, when it is common to obsess over looks and weight. If untreated, anorexia will damage the heart, brain, and kidneys. It will lead to a drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing, fluid-electrolyte imbalance, irregular heartbeat, and brittle bones. In severe cases, it can result in death from starvation or suicide.

Causes of Anorexia Nervosa

The causes of anorexia nervosa may be physical, psychological, hereditary, or social.

Physical Causes

Hormonal imbalances could affect your mood, appetite, thought process, and memory, leading to distorted self-perception and unreasonable expectations

Psychological Causes

When you feel your life is beyond your control, you wish to assert your dominance by controlling your appetite and food. It is a coping mechanism that helps you get over your feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, anger, and loneliness. It can also be a by-product of bad relationships.

Hereditary Causes

Anorexia may be inherited as a family history of anorexia makes you predisposed towards getting it.

Social Causes

A society that lays excessive value on physical appearance, where thin is equated to beauty and where peer pressure forces you to confirm with a perceived perfect shape and size may also contribute towards the condition.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

You may be suffering from anorexia if you have the following symptoms:

• Rapid weight loss over a period of weeks or months.
• Following a strict diet even when your weight is lower than your ideal body weight.
• Obsessing over calories, nutrition, etc.
• Low self-esteem or obsession about appearance/ weight.
• Depression/ anxiety/ irritability/ social withdrawal.
• Infrequent/ missed menstrual periods.
• Compulsive exercising/ purging.
• Dry nails, brittle hair, yellow skin, anemia, constipation, tooth decay, swollen joints, and low tolerance of cold.

Can Anorexia Nervosa be Treated?

Anorexia can be treated, but the challenge is in diagnosing. People suffering from anorexia almost never acknowledge their condition. You will have to first accept that you need help and approach a doctor. When anorexia is diagnosed, you will require the help of a psychiatrist or a psychologist. If you require emergency medical care for heart or other problems caused by anorexia, you will first be treated for the specific condition. When you have recovered from it, you can start your treatment for anorexia.

Anorexia nervosa treatment will include:

• Medication to control anxiety, improve appetite, and sleep.
• Psychotherapy, counseling to help you change your way of thinking and develop healthy attitudes.
• Nutrition counseling to help you achieve a healthy approach towards food and weight.
• Group and Family therapy to help you develop a support network that understands your condition and helps you overcome it.

Recognizing your condition and accepting that you need help are the crucial first steps in successful treatment. With a high degree of commitment, the right treatment, and strong support from family and friends, you can get back to normal life and health.

Rela multispeciality hospital offers one of the best psychiatric services in Chennai. Our comprehensive approach to mental health, world class medical services and the best psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and nutrition experts will help you overcome all your psychological and emotional problems.

Complications of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa can cause severe, sometimes irreversible, health issues affecting nearly every organ. If untreated, it may lead to fatal complications.

Physical Complications

• Heart Problems – Irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, and heart failure.
• Bone Loss – Increased risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
• Anemia – Low red blood cell count causing fatigue and weakness.
• Digestive Issues – Constipation, bloating, and nausea.
• Kidney Damage – Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances lead to kidney failure.
• Hormonal Imbalances – Loss of menstruation in women, low testosterone in men.
• Muscle Wasting – Loss of muscle mass, including heart muscles.
• Organ Failure – Prolonged malnutrition can cause multi-organ failure.

Mental Health Complications

• Depression & Anxiety are common co-existing disorders.
• OCD & Substance Abuse – Rigid food control and potential addiction issues.
• Suicide Risk – High risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Long-Term Outlook

Early intervention and medical care are crucial for recovery. Without treatment, anorexia can lead to life-threatening consequences.

Prevention of Anorexia Nervosa

While anorexia nervosa may not always be preventable, early intervention and fostering a healthy mindset around food and body image can help reduce the risk.

• Promote Healthy Attitudes – Encourage a balanced approach to eating, exercise, and self-worth that isn’t based solely on appearance.
• Recognize Early Signs – Healthcare professionals and loved ones should be vigilant about rigid dieting habits and body dissatisfaction.
• Encourage Self-Esteem – Support interests and achievements beyond physical appearance, such as academics, hobbies, and personal growth.
• Open Conversations – Talking about body image concerns and mental well-being can help individuals seek support before issues escalate.

Although anorexia cannot always be prevented, awareness and a supportive environment can help individuals develop a healthier relationship with food and self-image.

Conclusion

Anorexia nervosa is a serious and complex disorder that affects both physical and mental health. Left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including organ failure and even death. While the causes of anorexia vary, early recognition and intervention are crucial for successful treatment. With proper medical care, psychological support, and a strong support system, recovery is possible. Raising awareness, promoting healthy attitudes towards food and body image, and encouraging open conversations can help prevent the onset or worsening of the condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with anorexia, seeking professional help is the first step toward a healthier life.