Why Do People Develop Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms, and What Should You Know About Them?

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It’s not just about food or weight loss—it’s deeply connected to mental health and how someone sees their body image. Body mass index (BMI) is a critical measurement for diagnosing the severity of anorexia nervosa, with individuals having a BMI under 18.5 typically being diagnosed with traditional anorexia, while those with atypical anorexia can have a normal or above-average BMI. If you’re wondering what anorexia nervosa symptoms are, why they happen, and how they can affect a person’s life, this article will help you understand.

What Exactly Is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It’s characterized by extreme weight loss, a fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. People with anorexia often restrict their food intake severely, even when they’re already underweight.

Some key features include:

• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Refusing to maintain a healthy body weight
• Distorted perception of body shape or size

Anorexia nervosa significantly affects eating behavior, leading to severe dietary restrictions and other harmful habits.

It’s important to know that anorexia nervosa isn’t just about wanting to be thin—it’s a complex mental illness that requires professional treatment.

How Do You Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa?

Recognizing the early physical signs and symptoms of anorexia can be difficult because many behaviors might seem like normal dieting at first. However, over time, these behaviors become more extreme and dangerous.

Common Physical Symptoms Include:

• Extreme weight loss
• Very low body weight for height and age, often referred to as ‘low weight’
• Feeling cold all the time
• Loss of menstrual periods in women
• Dry skin and hair loss
• Weakness and fatigue

Behavioral and Emotional Signs May Include:

• Obsessively counting calories or skipping meals
• Avoiding foods from certain food groups
• Exercising too much to prevent weight gain, often engaging in too much exercise
• Lying about how much food was eaten
• Withdrawing from social situations involving food

These symptoms of anorexia don’t just appear overnight—they usually develop over time and may start with something as simple as trying to eat healthier.

Why Does Someone Develop Anorexia Nervosa?

There’s no single cause for anorexia nervosa. It often results from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, with certain factors heightening the likelihood of developing the disorder.

Possible Risk Factors Include:

• Family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions in a family member
• Low self-esteem or perfectionist personality traits
• Peer pressure or societal expectations about body image
• Trauma or stressful life events
• Having obsessive-compulsive disorder or other mental disorders

Research suggests that people with family members who have had an eating disorder are at a higher risk of developing one themselves. Also, those who struggle with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse may also be more likely to develop anorexia.

Can You Diagnose Anorexia Nervosa Based on Body Weight Alone?

While low body weight is a common symptom, diagnosing anorexia nervosa involves more than just looking at the number on the scale. According to the DSM-5, healthcare professionals consider several criteria, including:

• Restrictive food intake leading to significantly low body weight
• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
• A disturbance in the way one experiences their body weight or shape

A person might still have anorexia even if they aren’t extremely underweight. Some individuals fall into a category called “atypical anorexia,” where they experience all the symptoms but remain within or above the average weight range. Despite not meeting standard weight criteria, individuals with atypical anorexia nervosa can still be at high risk for significant health issues due to rapid weight loss and extreme weight control behaviors.

How Does Anorexia Nervosa Affect Eating Habits and Behaviors?

People with anorexia nervosa often change their eating behaviors drastically. These changes can include:

• Skipping meals or eating very small portions
• Cutting out entire food groups
• Developing strict rules around food (e.g., only eating certain foods)
• Using appetite suppressants or diet pills
• Binge eating followed by fasting or purging (more common in bulimia nervosa)

This restrictive behavior is often linked to a deep fear of gaining weight. Even when others encourage them to eat, people with anorexia may feel intense fear or guilt around food.

Is There a Link Between Anorexia Nervosa and Other Mental Health Conditions?

Yes, anorexia nervosa often coexists with other mental health conditions. Many people with anorexia also struggle with:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts

The connection between anorexia and these other mental illnesses makes treatment more complex. That’s why it’s crucial to treat both the eating disorder and any underlying mental health complications together.

What Are the Physical Complications of Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia doesn’t just affect the mind—it causes severe physical health problems in the body too. When the body is deprived of essential nutrients, physical complications begin to show.

Common Medical Complications Include:

• Heart problems (like slow heart rate or low blood pressure)
• Bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Muscle wasting and weakness
• Dehydration and kidney issues
• Tooth enamel erosion from vomiting
• Hormonal imbalances and missed menstrual periods

Possible complications from anorexia nervosa include refeeding syndrome and severe physical issues, which necessitate medical supervision during treatment.

In the most severe cases, anorexia can be life-threatening. It has one of the highest death rates among all mental illnesses, often due to medical complications or suicide.

How Does Anorexia Nervosa Affect Body Image?

One of the most challenging parts of anorexia is how it distorts body image. People with anorexia may see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously underweight.

This distorted view leads to unhealthy eating behaviors and prevents them from seeking help. They may believe they need to lose more weight, even when friends, family, or doctors say otherwise.

Body image concerns are often tied to deeper emotional issues, such as feeling out of control or needing to meet unrealistic standards.

Are There Different Types of Anorexia Nervosa?

Yes, the DSM-5 identifies two main subtypes of anorexia nervosa:

1. Restrictive Type: The person severely limits how much food they eat and may exercise excessively but does not engage in binge eating or purging.
2. Binge-Eating/Purging Type: The person alternates between restricting food and episodes of binge eating or purging (such as vomiting or using laxatives).

Both types are serious and require professional care. The binge eating disorder shares some similarities with this second subtype but differs in overall patterns of behavior.

What Role Does Family History Play in Developing Anorexia Nervosa?

Family history plays a significant role in the development of anorexia nervosa. Studies show that people with a sibling or parent who has had an eating disorder are more likely to develop one themselves.

However, genetics alone don’t determine whether someone will develop anorexia. Environmental and psychological factors also play a big part. For example, growing up in a family that focuses heavily on appearance or dieting may increase the risk.

Family-based treatment is often effective, especially for younger patients. Involving family members in the recovery process helps provide support and structure around eating habits and mental health.

Can You Prevent Anorexia Nervosa?

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent anorexia nervosa, early intervention can make a big difference. Teaching children and teens about healthy eating habits, positive body image, and media literacy can reduce the risk.

Encouraging open conversations about mental health and emotional well-being is also important. Parents and educators should avoid making negative comments about weight or appearance, as this can contribute to low self-esteem and disordered eating.

If someone shows early warning signs—like dramatic weight loss or extreme concern about body shape—it’s best to seek help right away.

How Is Anorexia Nervosa Treated?

Treating anorexia nervosa usually requires a team of professionals, including doctors, nutritionists, and therapists. The goal is to restore a healthy weight, address mental health complications, and develop long-term healthy eating habits.

A comprehensive treatment plan is essential, integrating medical evaluations, nutritional guidance, and strategies to normalize eating behaviors while also addressing any underlying psychiatric complications.

Common Treatment Approaches Include:

• Medical monitoring: To manage physical symptoms and complications
• Nutritional counseling: To rebuild healthy eating behaviors
• Therapy: Such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address thought patterns related to food and body image
• Medication: Sometimes used to treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety
• Hospitalization: For severe cases where the person is malnourished or medically unstable

Recovery is possible, but it takes time, patience, and support.

What Can Friends and Family Do to Help Someone with Anorexia Nervosa?

Support from loved ones is vital in recovery. Here’s how friends and family can help:

• Learn about anorexia nervosa and its symptoms, and understand that people with eating disorders can exhibit various body types and sizes
• Be patient and non-judgmental
• Encourage professional help without being pushy
• Offer emotional support during meals or therapy sessions
• Celebrate progress, no matter how small

It’s also important for family members to take care of their own mental health. Supporting someone with an eating disorder can be emotionally draining, so seeking guidance or joining a support group can be helpful.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Anorexia Nervosa?

Even after recovery, anorexia nervosa can leave lasting effects on the body and mind. Some people may continue to struggle with:

• Ongoing concerns about food or weight
• Difficulty maintaining a healthy weight
• Bone density loss
• Fertility issues
• Chronic digestive problems

Mental health complications like depression or anxiety may also persist. However, with consistent treatment and support, many of these long-term effects can improve or stabilize over time.

Why Is It Important to Treat Anorexia Nervosa Early?

Early treatment increases the chances of full recovery. The longer anorexia goes untreated, the more damage it can do to both physical and mental health.

Delaying treatment can lead to:

• More severe physical complications
• Greater difficulty changing harmful eating behaviors
• Increased risk of suicide or hospitalization
• Longer recovery time

If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of anorexia, reaching out for help as soon as possible is crucial.

Where Can You Find Help for Anorexia Nervosa?

Help is available through various resources:

• Primary care doctors or pediatricians can screen for eating disorders and refer to specialists
• Registered dietitians can guide healthy eating habits
• Therapists or counselors specializing in eating disorders can offer emotional support
• Eating disorder clinics or hospitals provide intensive care for severe cases
• Support groups connect people with similar experiences

Organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) offer valuable information and helplines.

Conclusion: Why Understanding Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms Matters

Understanding anorexia nervosa symptoms is the first step toward healing. It’s not just about weight or food—it’s a complex mental illness with serious consequences. By recognizing the signs early, offering support, and seeking professional help, recovery is possible.

If you or someone you love is struggling with anorexia nervosa, remember that you’re not alone. There is hope, and help is available.

Works Cited

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . 5th ed., American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013.

National Eating Disorders Association. “Anorexia Nervosa.” www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/anorexia-nervosa , Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Arcelus, Jon, et al. “Mortality Rates in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa and Other Eating Disorders.” Archives of General Psychiatry , vol. 68, no. 7, 2011, pp. 724–731.

Hay, Phillipa J., et al. “Eating Disorder Basics.” The Lancet Psychiatry , vol. 6, no. 4, 2019, pp. 355–369.

Stice, Eric, et al. “Risk Factors for Onset of Eating Disorders: Evidence of Multiple Risk Pathways from an 8-Year Prospective Study.” Behaviour Research and Therapy , vol. 48, no. 3, 2010, pp. 153–160.

Treasure, Janet, et al. “Anorexia Nervosa.” Nature Reviews Disease Primers , vol. 1, 2015, p. 15002.

World Health Organization. “Eating Disorders.” www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/eating-disorders , Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Take the First Step Toward Healing Today

If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of anorexia nervosa or struggling with unhealthy eating habits, know that help is available, and recovery is possible. At NY Choice Medical, we offer compassionate, personalized care to support both your physical and mental health.

Whether you’re looking for professional guidance on maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, or understanding eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms