Defintions
Signs and Symptoms
Physical/Medical Complications
Anorexia is characterized by a significant weight loss resulting from excessive dieting. Most women and an increasing number of men are motivated by the strong desire to be thin and a fear of becoming obese. Anorexics consider themselves to be fat, no matter what their actual weight is. Often anorexics do not recognize they are underweight and may still “feel fat” at 80 lbs. Anorexics close to death will show you on their bodies where they feel they need to lose weight. In their attempts to become even thinner, the anorexic will avoid food and taking in calories at all costs, which can result in death. An estimated 10 to 20% will eventually die from complications related to it.
Anorexics usually strive for perfection. They set very high standards for themselves and feel they always have to prove their competence. They usually always put the needs of others ahead of their own needs. A person with anorexia may also feel the only control they have in their lives is in the area of food and weight. If they can’t control what is happening around them, they can control their weight. Each morning the number on the scale will determine whether or not they have succeeded or failed in their goal for thinness. They feel powerful and in control when they can make themselves lose weight. Sometimes focusing on calories and losing weight is their way of blocking out feelings and emotions. For them, it’s easier to diet then it is to deal with their problems directly. Anorexics usually have low self-esteem and sometimes feel they don’t deserve to eat. The anorexics usually deny that anything is wrong. Hunger is strongly denied. They usually resist any attempts to help them because the idea of therapy is seen only as a way to force them to eat. Once they admit they have a problem and are willing to seek help, they can be treated effectively through a combination of psychological, nutritional and medical care.
- Noticeable weight loss
- Becoming withdrawn
- Excessive exercise
- Fatigue
- Always being cold
- Muscle weakness
- Obsession with food, calories, recipes
- Excuses for not eating meals (ie. ate earlier, not feeling well)
- Unusual eating habits (ie. cutting food into tiny pieces, picking at food)
- Noticeable discomfort around food
- Complaining of being “too fat”, even when thin
- Cooking for others, but not eating themselves
- Restricting food choices to only diet foods
- Guilt or shame about eating
- Depression, irritability, mood swings
- Evidence of vomiting, laxative abuse, diet pills or diuretics to control weight
- Irregular menstruation
- Amenorrhea (loss of menstruation)
- Wearing baggy clothes to hide weight loss
- Frequently checking weight on scale
- Fainting spells and dizziness
- Difficulty eating in public
- Very secretive about eating patterns
- Pale complexion (almost a pasty look)
- Headaches
- Perfectionistic attitude
- Feelings of self worth determined by what is or is not eaten
- No known physical illness that would explain weight loss
Physical/Medical Complications
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Amenorrhea (loss of menstruation)
- Skin problems
- Dizziness and headaches
- Dehydration
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeats
- Cold hands and feet
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Stomach pains
- Decreased metabolic rate
- Edema (water retention)
- Lanugo (fine downy hair)
- Loss of bone mass
- Kidney and liver damage
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Osteoporosis
- Insomnia
- Anemias
- Infertility
- Depression
- Cathartic colon (caused from laxative abuse)
- Low potassium (most common cause of nocturnal cardiac arrest)
- Cardiac arrest and death
One of the top eating disorder treatment centers in the country is the Klarman Eating Disorder center at the McLean Hospital. They are affiliated with the Harvard Medical School, and are particularly skilled at treating co-existing conditions. For more information follow this link to the 
Klarman Eating Disorders Website.
Additional Reading:
Treatment For Anorexia Nervosa – Finding the right treatment, types of treatment, how to approach a loved one with anorexia.
Anxiety Depression and Anorexia Symptoms – Information on the link between anxiety, depression and anorexia. Other psychological symptoms, treatment information.
Girls With Anorexia – Additional information on how anorexia affects girls. Treatment information and resources.
Men With Anorexia – About 10% of all anorexics are men. Why men become anorexic.
Causes Of Anorexia – Causes and warning signs of anorexia. Facts, statistics, and treatment information for anorexic people.
Written by: Colleen Thompson
Resources:
-Surviving an Eating Disorder: Perspectives and Strategies for Family and Friends by Michelle Siegel, Ph.D., Judith Brisman, Ph.D., and Margot Weinshel, Ph.D. – Harper & Row Publishers, NY, 1988
-Walking A Thin Line by Pam Vredevelt and Joyce Whitman – Mullnomah Press, Oregon 1985
-Eating Disorders Handout – Sudbury General Hospital Eating Disorders Clinic (information for handout obtained from NEDIC)