Anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a relentless pursuit of thinness.

People with anorexia often restrict food intake, engage in compulsive exercise, and have an insatiable desire to lose weight, even when they are already underweight. If left untreated, anorexia can cause severe physical and psychological damage, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, heart problems, and depression. Here, we discuss 30 symptoms and warning signs of anorexia nervosa:.

Symptoms and Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa

: 1. Severe weight loss

One of the primary symptoms of anorexia is significant weight loss, often to the point of being underweight.

Individuals with anorexia may lose 15% or more of their body weight, and they may be unable to maintain a healthy weight despite being aware of the risks.

: 2. Obsession with weight

People with anorexia have an excessive preoccupation with their weight, shape, and size. They are often dissatisfied with their body image and feel like they are too fat, even when they are underweight.

: 3. Fear of gaining weight

Individuals with anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming overweight, even if they are already underweight. This fear can drive them to avoid certain foods and engage in extreme dieting and exercise behaviors.

: 4. Compulsive exercise

People with anorexia often engage in compulsive exercise as a way to burn calories and lose weight. They may exercise for hours each day, even when they are already exhausted or injured.

: 5. Restricting food intake

Individuals with anorexia often restrict their food intake, avoiding entire food groups or limiting themselves to very small portions. They may also count calories obsessively, weigh their food, and avoid eating in front of others.

: 6. Skipping meals

People with anorexia may skip meals or restrict their eating during certain times of day as a way to control their weight. They may also avoid social situations that involve food, such as family dinners or going out to eat with friends.

: 7. Obsession with food

Despite restricting their food intake, individuals with anorexia often have an intense preoccupation with food. They may spend hours preparing and cooking meals for others while abstaining from eating themselves.

: 8. Distorted body image

People with anorexia have a distorted perception of their body image, often viewing themselves as overweight or “fat” even when they are underweight.

They may pinch their skin, measure their body parts, and compare themselves to others frequently.

: 9. Obsession with clothing size

Individuals with anorexia may become obsessed with fitting into smaller clothing sizes as a way to control their weight. They may continue to wear clothes that no longer fit or become upset when they can no longer fit into their desired size.

: 10. Changes in eating habits

People with anorexia may develop unusual eating habits, such as cutting food into tiny pieces, eating very slowly, or avoiding certain textures or colors of food. They may also chew gum or suck on mints to avoid feeling hungry.

: 11. Timeline OCD

Individuals with anorexia may have a compulsive need to adhere to a strict timeline for eating and other daily activities. They may become anxious or upset when their routine is interrupted or when they are unable to follow their schedule exactly.

: 12. Secretive behavior

People with anorexia may become very secretive about their eating habits and weight loss. They may avoid eating in public or lying to others about what they ate or when they last ate.

Individuals with anorexia may withdraw socially, avoiding friends and family events or isolating themselves from others altogether. They may be preoccupied with their weight and appearance and feel ashamed or embarrassed to be seen in public.

: 14. Mood swings

People with anorexia may experience frequent mood swings, ranging from anxiety and irritability to depression and apathy. They may become easily frustrated or upset and may struggle to regulate their emotions around food and weight.

: 15. Obsession with self-improvement

Individuals with anorexia may have an intense need for self-improvement and perfectionism. They may set high standards for themselves in all areas of their life and be overly critical of themselves when they fall short.

: 16. Distorted perceptions of hunger and fullness

People with anorexia may have a distorted perception of hunger and fullness, often ignoring or suppressing these natural cues. They may also struggle to recognize when they are full and may continue to eat despite feeling uncomfortably full or bloated.

: 17. Physical changes

Individuals with anorexia may experience a variety of physical changes as a result of their weight loss and restrictive eating habits. These can include:.

Thin or emaciated appearance
Pale or yellowish skin
Fine, downy hair covering the body
Dry skin and hair
Brittle nails
Low blood pressure
Irregular heartbeat
Constipation
Bloating or swelling
Dizziness or fainting
Weakness or fatigue
Appearance of fine downy hair on limbs and face
Insomnia
Low body temperature or feeling cold

: 18. Denial

People with anorexia may be in denial about their illness, even when they are clearly underweight and experiencing physical symptoms. They may refuse to acknowledge the severity of their condition or the impact it is having on their life.

: 19. Depression

Individuals with anorexia may also experience symptoms of depression, such as feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and low energy levels. Their mood may be closely tied to their eating habits and weight loss.

: 20. Anxiety

People with anorexia may also experience anxiety and panic attacks as a result of their obsessive thoughts and behaviors around food and weight loss.

They may become very anxious in social situations or around food, and may avoid certain situations altogether.

: 21. Obsession with exercise

Individuals with anorexia may become obsessed with exercise, often engaging in excessive amounts of physical activity in an attempt to burn calories and lose weight. They may exercise for hours each day, even when they are tired or in pain.

: 22. Poor body temperature control

People with anorexia may struggle to regulate their body temperature, often feeling cold even in warm environments. They may also experience chills and shivers, and may wear multiple layers of clothing to stay warm.

: 23. Insomnia

Individuals with anorexia may experience insomnia, having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. They may also wake up frequently during the night and feel tired and exhausted during the day.

: 24. Compulsive behaviors

People with anorexia may engage in compulsive behaviors, such as counting and measuring food, weighing themselves obsessively, or checking their body in the mirror frequently. They may feel like they have no control over these behaviors.

: 25. Calcium deficiency

Individuals with anorexia may develop a calcium deficiency as a result of their restrictive eating habits. This can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become brittle and weak, increasing the risk of fractures and breaks.

: 26. Memory and concentration problems

People with anorexia may experience memory and concentration problems as a result of the malnutrition and physical stress on their body. They may struggle to remember simple things or to focus on tasks, and may appear forgetful or absent-minded.

: 27. Disrupted menstrual cycle

Female individuals with anorexia may experience a disrupted menstrual cycle, with irregular periods or a complete loss of periods. This can be a result of the hormone changes caused by malnutrition and extreme weight loss.

: 28. Low self-esteem

People with anorexia often struggle with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. They may feel like their worth is tied to their ability to maintain a low weight, and may be highly critical of themselves and their appearance.

: 29. Risk-taking behaviors

Individuals with anorexia may engage in risky behaviors, such as using laxatives or diet pills, in an attempt to control their weight. They may also engage in self-harm or other dangerous behaviors as a way to cope with their emotions and stress.

: 30. Suicide ideation

People with anorexia may experience suicidal thoughts or feelings as a result of the intense emotional and physical stress of the illness. They may feel overwhelmed and hopeless, and may contemplate harming themselves or ending their life.

Conclusion

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help immediately.

Anorexia nervosa is a serious illness that requires comprehensive treatment, including medical care, nutritional counseling, and therapy. With early intervention and proper treatment, it is possible to overcome anorexia and achieve a healthy, fulfilling life.