Eating Disorders Defined: Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is an intense fear of body fat and gaining weight and is characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.

Statistics

Did you know that...

• Between one and two percent of American women have anorexia?
• Anorexia is the most common psychiatric diagnosis among young women?
• Anorexia has one of the highest death rates of any mental condition?

Anorexia can lead to some extreme health problems. Here are a few that can occur:

• Reduction of bone density (osteoporosis)
• Muscle weakness or loss
• Severe dehydration, including dry hair and skin
• Fainting
• Overall weakness
• Growth of a downy layer of hair all over the body (called lanugo) in an effort to keep the body warm.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include the following:

• Marked decrease in weight not related to a medication condition
• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height, body type, age, and activity level
• Abnormal eating habits, including severe dieting, preference for strange foods, withdrawn behavior at mealtimes
• Compulsive exercising
• Periods of fasting
• Feelings of depression, isolation, irritability
• Shortness of breath
• Cold hands and feet
• In females, absence of at least three menstrual cycles

For More Information

For more information about anorexia or to learn about South Coast Medical Center's Eating Disorder program, call (949) 499-7504. Or email us with your questions.