The exact causes of anorexia nervosa are not known. Many factors probably are involved. Genes and hormones may play a role.
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The exact causes of anorexia nervosa are not known. Many factors probably are involved. Genes and hormones may play a role. Social attitudes that promote very thin body types may also be involved. Family conflicts are no longer thought to contribute to this or other eating disorders. Risk factors for anorexia include:
Anorexia usually begins during the teen years or young adulthood. It is more common in females, but may also be seen in males. The disorder is seen mainly in white women who are high academic achievers and who have a goal-oriented family or personality.
People with anorexia may severely limit the amount of food they eat, or eat and then make themselves throw up. Other behaviors include: Exercising all the time, even when the weather is bad, they are hurt, or their schedule is busy
Anorexia may cause you to stop eating or to eat fewer calories than your body needs. The weight loss is not related to another medical condition. What increases my risk for anorexia nervosa?
Many factors probably are involved. Genes and hormones may play a role. Social attitudes that promote very thin body types may also be involved. Family conflicts are no longer thought to contribute to this or other eating disorders.
Anorexia usually begins during the teen years or young adulthood. It is more common in females, but may also be seen in males. The disorder is seen mainly in white women who are high academic achievers and who have a goal-oriented family or personality.
Other symptoms of anorexia may include: 1 Blotchy or yellow skin that is dry and covered with fine hair 2 Confused or slow thinking, along with poor memory or judgment 3 Depression 4 Dry mouth 5 Extreme sensitivity to cold (wearing several layers of clothing to stay warm) 6 Loss of bone strength 7 Wasting away of muscle and loss of body fat
Using pills to make themselves urinate (water pills or diuretics), have a bowel movement (enemas and laxatives), or decrease their appetite (diet pills) Other symptoms of anorexia may include: Blotchy or yellow skin that is dry and covered with fine hair.
Have not had a period for three or more cycles (in women) People with anorexia may severely limit the amount of food they eat, or eat and then make themselves throw up. Other behaviors include: Cutting food into small pieces or moving them around the plate instead of eating.
Treatment is meant to help you develop a healthy relationship with food. Treatment may also be needed for health problems caused by anorexia. Treatment may need to take place in a hospital or clinic. Counseling is an important part of treatment. You may work with healthcare providers alone or in a group.
You may have times when you go back to not eating, or eating few calories, especially during stressful times. This is common. Work with family members and healthcare providers to get back on track with healthy eating and healthy exercise.
Early puberty, which may cause normal but unwanted weight gain. A desire to be perfect in everything you do and how you look. Participation in sports or activities that require a low weight. Constant dieting to lose weight. Being female. A family history of an eating disorder. Trouble accepting how your body looks.
Nutrition therapy means you will meet with a dietitian to plan healthy meals. Others in your family may also meet with the dietitian. Your healthcare providers and dietitian will work with you to make small changes over time. Medicines are sometimes used to help treat anorexia or the health problems it causes.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that can lead to severe weight loss. Anorexia may cause you to stop eating or to eat fewer calories than your body needs. The weight loss is not related to another medical condition.