Anorexia Nervosa

Although this is one of the most well-known eating disorders, just like others, the cause is still not clear.  It’s believed that a combination of factors comes into play, including genetics, environmental influences, and societal pressures. These may involve family histories with eating disorders, external pressures to lose weight from family or friends, experiences of bullying related to body weight, societal standards about beauty, and exposure to certain messages through social media.

While a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa traditionally requires severe underweight, it’s important to note that this isn’t always the case. Individuals can engage in significant self-restriction and weight loss without reaching a medically underweight status. Identifying behaviors is crucial for recognition. Anorexia nervosa also presents in two subtypes:

Restricting type: Individuals severely limit their food intake to lose or prevent weight gain, often accompanied by excessive exercise.

Purging type: Involves consuming large quantities of food in a short time, followed by purging, often through vomiting. The goal is to avoid calorie consumption and prevent weight gain.

Receiving treatment is vital for overcoming anorexia and starting the journey toward recovery. Every individual’s situation is unique, considering factors like age, overall health, and medical history. Typically, treatment involves two main components: nutrition counseling and therapy. Nutrition counseling helps you make healthy food choices and achieve a healthy weight, while therapy supports you in managing emotions and building coping skills.