Anorexia nervosa

goodtoknow says: If you have this eating disorder you're not alone. About 4 people in every 1000 have anorexia nervosa. The most important thing is to recognise you have a problem and get help, and there's plenty available. Anorexia is not a 'slimming disease', it's a serious psychological disorder where you fear getting fat, think you're overweight and become obsessed with dieting. 90 percent of anorexics are women, often teenagers. If you're extremely underweight, obsessed with food, and your periods have stopped it's likely you have an eating disorder, so get help now.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of anorexia nervosa from patient.co.uk, read on.

A person with anorexia nervosa deliberately loses weight. The weight loss may become severe and life-threatening. Treatment includes 'talking treatments' such as cognitive behavioural therapy, and sometimes medication and self help measures.

What is anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa (just called anorexia from now on) is an eating disorder. It means "loss of appetite due to your nerves". Anorexia is a serious condition which affects all sorts of people. Anorexia is very common – about 1 in 20 teenagers have it. However, it affects people of all ages and has become more common in boys and men in recent years.

People with anorexia often find that they do not allow themselves to feel full after eating. This means that they restrict the amount they eat and drink. People with anorexia are underweight. Sometimes, the weight becomes so low that it is dangerous to health.

- Read more: what are the symptoms of anorexia?

More help and advice

- Why normal conversation can influence anorexia
- Tips on battling anorexia
- In-depth info on bulimia
- How to give your child a good body image