All you need to know about Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder and a serious mental health condition that can result in severe weight loss and distorted body image.

If a person has signs and behaviors of anorexia nervosa, they should seek medical help.

Physical signs and symptoms:

1. Severe loss of muscle mass
2. Fatigue
3. Hair loss
4. Loss of menstruation
5. Irregular heart rhythms

Behaviors:

1. Denying feeling hungry or avoiding mealtimes
2. Showing excessive concern with weight, body size, dieting, calories, and food
3. Showing signs of depression
4. Assessing body weight and size frequently
5. Exercising a lot, taking laxatives or inducing vomiting

Early diagnosis and treatment are more likely to lead to a positive outcome

The treatment plan needs to involve a team of specialists who can help the person overcome the physical, emotional, social, and psychological challenges that they face through:

1. Family and individual counseling
2. Nutritional therapy
3. Medication to treat depression and anxiety
4. Supplements to resolve nutritional deficiencies
5. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anorexia/

https://www.healthline.com/health/anorexia-nervosa

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267432#treatment-and-recovery

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591