Identify Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa – commonly referred to as anorexia – is one of the most common eating disorders.

Sufferers of anorexia see themselves as overweight when, in fact, they are extremely underweight, even emaciated. Studies suggest that about one percent of adolescent females are affected by anorexia, according to Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders (ANRED). If left untreated, anorexia can cause a host of serious medical conditions, including death.

Anorexia Defined

Anorexia is technically defined as the “inability of a person to maintain body weight within 15 percent of the Ideal Body Weight (IBW).” Sufferers typically are very skinny, emaciated looking and do not generally look healthy.

Signs and Symptoms

Despite being extremely thin, people with anorexia still pursue losing more weight and may engage in extreme dieting or binge eating followed by purging or excessive exercise to shed the excess calories consumed. Other anorexics may abuse or misuse laxatives, enemas or diuretic medications in order to get “rid” of any food that is consumed.

Long-Term Complications

In addition to the increased risk of death, other complications stemming from anorexia may include brittle hair and nails; yellowish, dry skin; thinning bones, or osteoporosis; muscle wasting and weakness; low blood pressure; heart and/or brain damage; shutdown or failure of multiple organs; infertility; feeling tired, or lethargy, all of the time; and loss of monthly period, or amenhorrea.

Treatment

Treatment for anorexia may include immediate medical attention and care, psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, medication and/or ongoing medical monitoring.

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health, ANRED

Eating Disorder Self Test. Take the EAT-26 self test to see if you might have eating disorder symptoms that might require professional evaluation. All answers are confidential.

Find a Treatment Facility Near You

Click on a state below to find eating disorder treatment options that could be right for you.

Where do calls go?

Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser: ARK Behavioral Health, Recovery Helpline, Alli Addiction Services.

By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.

CALL NOW FOR IMMEDIATE HELPCALL NOW FOR IMMEDIATE HELP800-776-3990Response time about 1 min | Response rate 100%
Who Answers?