4 Min Read
Anorexia nervosa, often simply called anorexia, is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder. It’s marked by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to self-starvation and excessive weight loss. While it’s often associated with teenage girls, anorexia can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. One must consult a dietician in Gurugram and a psychiatrist in Gurugram to manage it and get a personalised treatment plan. In this blog, we’ll explore the key symptoms, causes, and treatment options for anorexia.
Synopsis
What is Anorexia?
Anorexia is more than just dieting or watching your weight—it’s a complex mental health condition with physical and emotional consequences. People with anorexia often go to extreme lengths to control their weight, including:
-
Severely restricting food intake
-
Excessive exercise
-
Misuse of laxatives or diuretics
-
Refusing to eat in public
Symptoms of Anorexia
Anorexia can affect the mind, body, and behaviour. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
Psychological & Behavioural Symptoms
-
Intense fear of weight gain, even if underweight
-
Obsession with food, calories, and dieting
-
Distorted body image
-
Avoiding meals or eating rituals (e.g., cutting food into tiny pieces)
-
Social withdrawal or depression
Physical Symptoms
-
Noticeable weight loss
-
Fatigue and weakness
-
Brittle hair and nails
-
Feeling cold all the time
-
Low blood pressure and heart rate
Causes of Anorexia
There is no single cause of anorexia—it’s usually a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors:
1. Biological Factors
-
Genetic predisposition
-
Imbalances in brain chemicals (like serotonin and dopamine)
-
History of mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, OCD)
2. Psychological Factors
-
Low self-esteem
-
Perfectionism
-
Need for control
-
Fear of growing up or taking on adult responsibilities
3. Environmental & Cultural Factors
-
Societal pressure to be thin
-
Media portrayal of ideal body types
-
Family or peer pressure
-
Traumatic experiences (e.g., bullying, abuse)
Treatment Options for Anorexia
Recovery from anorexia is absolutely possible, but it often requires a comprehensive, long-term approach involving multiple specialists.
1. Medical Treatment
-
Addressing malnutrition and physical health complications
-
Hospitalisation may be necessary in severe cases
-
Monitoring vital signs and weight regularly
2. Nutritional Counselling
-
Guidance from a registered dietitian
-
Gradual reintroduction to healthy eating patterns
-
Education about food and the body
3. Therapy and Counselling
-
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address distorted thoughts
-
Family-Based Therapy (especially for adolescents)
-
Group therapy for peer support and shared experiences
4. Medications
-
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed
-
Used alongside therapy, not as a standalone solution
Conclusion
Anorexia is a serious condition, but it’s not a life sentence. With early intervention, the right support, and consistent treatment, individuals can and do recover. If you or someone you know is showing signs of anorexia, don’t wait—reach out to our dietitian in Gurgaon. Recovery begins with that first step toward help.
FAQ's
No. While the desire to lose weight may be a symptom, anorexia is a complex mental health disorder involving emotional, psychological, and behavioural issues. It's often driven by a need for control, perfectionism, low self-esteem, or trauma, not just a desire to be thin.
Absolutely. Though more common in women, men can also develop anorexia. It often goes undiagnosed in men due to stigma or misperceptions, but the physical and psychological consequences are just as serious.
Yes. Anorexia has one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness, due to complications like heart failure, electrolyte imbalance, and suicide. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the chances of recovery.
Yes. This is known as atypical anorexia, where a person has all the psychological symptoms of anorexia but maintains a "normal" weight or even appears overweight. The risks and complications are still serious, and treatment is just as important.
Yes, full recovery is possible, but it often takes time, support, and a multidisciplinary treatment approach. With therapy, nutritional counseling, medical care, and strong support systems, many people go on to lead healthy, balanced lives. Conult our experienced dietician in Gurgaon at Manipal Hospital today.
Share this article on:
