Anorexia nervosa
The main symptom of anorexia is deliberately losing a lot of weight, although there are often a number of other physical and psychological signs there's a problem.
A person with anorexia will want to weigh as little as possible much less thanis healthy for their age and height. They're so afraid of gaining weight they can't eat normally.
In an attempt to lose weight, they may:
They may also take laxatives or diuretics, a typeofmedication that removes fluid from the body, althoughin reality these have little effect on calories absorbed from food.
People with anorexia often believe their value as a person hinges on their weight and how they look. They may think others will like them more or they'll feel happier if they're thinner, and see their excessive weight loss in a positive way.
They often have a distorted view of what they look like, thinkingthey look fat when they're not.
Some people with anorexia may try to hide how thin they are by wearing loose or baggy clothes.
Many people with thedisorder also practise a type of behaviour known as "body checking", which involves persistently and repeatedly:
People with anorexia also usually have low self-esteem or self-confidence. They may withdraw from relationships, become distant from family and friends, and lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed.
Anorexia can also affect the person's school work or how well they perform their job.
Eating too little for a long time can alsocause physical symptoms, such as:
In children with anorexia, puberty and the associated growth spurt may be delayed. They may gain less weight than expected if anyand may be smaller than others of the same age.
Women and older girls with anorexia may stop having their monthly periods , known as amenorrhoea, or absent periods .
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Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition. It's an eating disorder where a person keeps their body weight as low as possible. Anorexia most commonly affects girls and women, although it has become more common in boys and men in recent years.
The main symptom of anorexia is deliberately losing a lot of weight, although there are often a number of other physical and psychological signs there's a problem.
The exact causes of anorexia nervosa are unclear, but most specialists believe it's likely to be the result of a combination of factors. Anorexia often starts off as a form of dieting that gradually gets out of control.
When trying to determine whether you have an eating disorder, your GP will probably ask questions about your weight and eating habits. In some cases, they may also check your BMI.
The treatment for anorexia nervosa usually involves a combination of psychological therapy and supervised weight gain. It's important for a person with anorexia to start treatment as early as possible.
If anorexia nervosa is not treated, the condition can lead to a number of serious health problems. Long-term anorexia can lead to severe complications and health problems, oftenas a result of Malnutrition .
At 21, Katie Metcalfe was starting a creative writing degree at Cumbria University but seven years before this her life was very different. My mum took me to the GP when my periods stopped, but they sent me home with a diet sheet.