Anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, a distorted body image, and severe restrictions on food intake. It often involves excessive exercise and, in some cases, other weight-control methods like laxative use or vomiting.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

• Fear of Gaining Weight: Intense anxiety about becoming “fat.”
• Body Image Issues: Distorted perception of weight and body shape.
• Restricted Eating: Strictly controlling food intake to maintain a low body weight.
• Physical Symptoms Due to Malnutrition:
  • Fine Downy Hair (Lanugo): Develops on the body.
  • Increased Facial Hair: More hair growth on the face.
  • Sparse Pubic Hair.
  • Slow or Irregular Heartbeat.
  • Abdominal Pain and Bloating.
  • Fatigue: Severe tiredness.
  • Low Blood Pressure and Body Temperature.
  • Swelling: In the feet, hands, or face.
  • Menstrual Changes: Missed or irregular periods (in females).
  • Delayed Puberty and growth issues in children and teenagers.

Getting Help for Anorexia

If you think you have anorexia or an eating disorder, it’s important to seek help:

• Speak to Your GP: They can guide you through assessment and treatment options.
• Supporting Someone Else: If you know someone showing signs, offer support without criticism. Encourage them to seek professional help, and consider accompanying them to see a GP.

Diagnosing Anorexia Nervosa

Diagnosis often involves:

1. Discussion of Symptoms: Your GP will ask about your eating habits, weight changes, and feelings about body image.
2. Physical Examinations:
   • Weight and BMI Check.
   • Pulse and Blood Pressure.
   • Blood Tests: To assess nutritional status.
3. Referral: You may be referred to a specialist in eating disorders for further assessment.

Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa

Early intervention is crucial to reduce the risk of complications. Treatment often involves:

1. Talking Therapy: Helps you understand and manage your thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image.
2. Supervised Weight Gain: A gradual and safe approach to restoring healthy body weight.

Treatment Approaches for Different Ages:

• Adults: May focus more on individual therapy and nutritional counseling.
• Under 18s: Treatment often involves family-based approaches.

Complications of Anorexia

Long-term anorexia can lead to severe and sometimes irreversible health issues:

1. Circulatory and Cardiovascular Problems: Poor circulation, coronary heart disease, and irregular heartbeat.
2. Malnutrition: Leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
3. Imbalance of Blood Minerals: Issues with potassium, calcium, and sodium levels, causing:
   • Fatigue.
   • Muscle Spasms and Weakness.
   • Dehydration and other serious symptoms.
4. Other Health Conditions:
   • Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure).
   • Anaemia.
   • Tooth Decay due to vomiting.
   • Kidney and Liver Damage.
   • Osteoporosis (Brittle Bones).
   • Loss of Libido and sexual function issues in men.
   • Chronic Constipation from laxative misuse.

Anorexia and Pregnancy

Anorexia can cause menstrual irregularities, but it does not necessarily make a person infertile. If you have anorexia and are planning to conceive or are pregnant, it’s vital to consult your GP and care team due to increased risks, such as:

• Miscarriage.
• Premature Birth.
• Low Birth Weight in Babies.

Living with Anorexia

While living with anorexia can be challenging, many people recover with proper support and treatment. Addressing underlying mental health issues and maintaining a supportive environment is essential for long-term recovery.