Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder in which an individual has an extreme fear of a distorted body image and gaining weight, causing malnutrition and severe food restriction. People with anorexia nervosa frequently consider themselves overweight, while they are severely underweight. This illness may result in different psychological and physical complications, such as bone loss, serious depression, and heart problems.
Anorexia nervosa can impact anyone but is more common in women and is usually initiated during adolescence. The definite cause of anorexia is unknown, but some factors, such as psychological, environmental, and genetic, are believed to contribute to the development of this disorder. Treatment usually involves a multidisciplinary approach such as psychological therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical care. Early detection of this condition is important for recovery because anorexia nervosa can become life-threatening if not treated on time.
Symptoms
Anorexia nervosa manifests with a range of symptoms, which can be both psychological and physical.
- Extreme weight loss: People usually experience significant and rapid weight loss, resulting in a bodyweight that may be potentially below the normal range for their height and age (often below 85% of the expected weight for one’s age and height).
- Extreme fear of gaining weight: People have an extreme fear of weight gain, even though they are underweight, which leads to restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
- Distorted body image: A distorted body image is a common symptom, in which people with anorexia see themselves as overweight while they are dangerously underweight.
- Preoccupation with food, dieting, and calorie counting: It is usually associated with an obsessive focus on healthy food, such as calorie counting, rigid meal planning, and avoiding “fattening” foods.
- Skipping meals or eating very little: Individuals suffering from anorexia restrict weight increase by skipping meals, taking minimal portions, or not eating at all.
- Excessive exercise: Aside from food restriction, people with anorexia often engage in high levels of physical activity and cardio to lose weight and burn calories.
- Physical symptoms: The physical signs include brittle nails, dry skin, thinning hair, and an irregular or absent menstrual cycle in females. This condition arises from severe nutritional deficiency and the inability of the body to function properly.
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When to See a Doctor
When you or your loved ones experience physical symptoms, including abnormal heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, and other signs like preoccupation with dieting and rapid weight loss, it is essential to consult a doctor as early as possible. Early treatment can assist in preventing serious complications related to this disorder.
FitwellHub provides personalized care for the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, and access to a multidisciplinary panel of doctors.
Causes
The definite cause of anorexia nervosa is not known, but it is believed to result from a combination of environmental, genetic, and psychological factors.
- Genetic predisposition: Research shows that genetics can play a key role in development, in people who have a family history of eating disorders.
- Psychological factors: It is usually associated with primary psychological problems, including low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. These are some of the factors that can contribute.
- Cultural and societal pressures: In societies where body image and thinness are greatly emphasized, this can facilitate anorexia nervosa development, particularly among vulnerable people.
- Family dynamics: If you have certain family environments, especially those that include perfectionism, critical attitudes, or high expectations toward appearance and weight, they can contribute to initiating anorexia.
- Personality traits: People with anorexia nervosa usually exhibit personality traits like strong desire for control, obsessionality, or perfectionism. These traits can contribute to restrictive behaviors related to the disorder.
- Biological factors: Some research indicates that neurotransmitter abnormalities like serotonin can contribute to anorexia nervosa development, impacting behavior, appetite, and mood.
Risk Factors
Various risk factors can increase the chances of anorexia nervosa development. Some of them are discussed below:
- Female gender: Women are at higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa than men.
- Adolescence: This condition generally starts during adolescence, but it may develop at any age.
- Family history: An individual with a family history of eating disorders, substance abuse, and depression is at greater risk.
- Dieting: Engaging in weight loss or dietary behaviors can also increase the risk factors.
Anorexia Nervosa in Pakistan
A study in Lahore, Pakistan, also showed that 59% of normal-weight women and 21% of underweight women considered themselves overweight. Also, 17% scored above the threshold for eating disorders, and two women met the DSM-IV criteria for BN (bulimia nervosa). The study concluded that due to Western cultural influence and dissatisfaction with body shape, there are different eating attitudes, while unrealistic perceptions about body image were related to depressive symptoms. These findings denote the high occurrence of eating disorders in Pakistan, particularly among young women.
Complications
Anorexia nervosa may lead to significantly life-threatening and severe psychological and physical complications.
1- Heart problems
Malnutrition can result in low blood pressure, abnormal heartbeats, or heart failure. Heart problems related to anorexia nervosa are especially alarming because heart muscle weakens, causing heart failure or even death.
2- Anemia
A deficiency of essential nutrients can cause anemia, leading to weakness and fatigue.
3- Bone loss
Bone loss is another important complication, with the chances of fractures and osteoporosis (a condition characterized by brittle and weak bones) due to a deficiency of essential nutrients such as calcium. This condition occurs because bones lose density and strength due to prolonged malnutrition.
4- Electrolyte imbalances
Serious restricted food behaviors may lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances, impacting nerve and muscle function.
5- Infertility
Infertility in women can be caused by anorexia, as it may lead to absent or irregular menstrual cycles, impacting fertility.
Prevention
Prevention of anorexia nervosa includes managing primary risk factors and developing a healthy relationship with body image and food. A few preventive methods involve:
- Promoting body positivity: Promoting a healthy body image and self-respect can assist in decreasing the chances of developing anorexia.
- Guidance: Guiding people about the benefits of balanced nutrition and the negative effects of dieting can assist in preventing the onset of eating disorders.
- Early intervention: Identifying and managing initial symptoms of an eating disorder can help prevent anorexia nervosa progression.
- Healthy family environment: Encouraging a non-critical and supportive family environment can minimize the chances of developing eating disorders.
FitwellHub provides programs and resources to foster a Healthy Elite Lifestyle, which involves assistance in preventing eating disorders and maintaining a healthy body image.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa includes a complete evaluation by a doctor such as nutritional, psychological, and medical assessments.
Tests
1- Physical examination
A comprehensive physical examination is crucial to evaluate key symptoms, weight, and overall health status.
2- Psychological evaluation
A mental health doctor will examine the person’s feelings, behaviors, and thoughts associated with body image and food.
3- Laboratory tests
Blood tests are used to check for anemia, electrolyte imbalances, and other possible symptoms of malnutrition.
4- Imaging tests
Imaging tests including bone density scans can be used to examine the decline in bone health results from anorexia.
FitwellHub offers advanced diagnostic services such as comprehensive evaluations and lab tests to detect and treat. To book an appointment for a test, visit the FitwellHub Lab.
Treatment
A few treatment options for managing are as follows:
- Nutritional counseling: A registered dietitian can assist in creating a balanced diet plan to regain healthy weight and eating habits.
- Psychotherapy: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is usually used to manage distorted behaviors and thoughts.
- Medications: Medications like antidepressants can be suggested in some cases to manage primary mental health problems.
- Hospitalization: In severe cases of anorexia nervosa, patients may need nutritional support, hospitalization to manage major symptoms, and regular screening for complications.
Medications
Medications used to cure co-occurring mental health problems in people are as follows:
- Antidepressants: Fluoxetine (Prozac) may be suggested by the doctor to assist in managing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Antipsychotics: Olanzapine (Zyprexa) may be used in some cases to assist in gaining weight and decreasing obsessive thoughts associated with body image and food.
- Antianxiety medications: Benzodiazepines are suggested for the short term to decrease anxiety before taking meals. It can’t be prescribed for the long term, as individuals may become dependent.
FitwellHub’s pharmacy provides multiple medicines for the treatment of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. Go to the FitwellHub Pharmacy to place an order.
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Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ’s)
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which people have an intense fear of a distorted body image and weight gain, leading to serious malnutrition and food restriction.
Symptoms of anorexia nervosa are fear of gaining weight, significant weight loss, distorted body image, an obsession with food and diets, excessive exercise, and physical signs including dry skin, broken nails, and hair loss.
Females are more inclined to develop anorexia nervosa, particularly in adolescence. People are at increased risk if they have a family history of mental health problems and eating disorders.
Anorexia nervosa can be diagnosed by imaging tests, physical exams, lab tests, and psychological assessments to evaluate the effect on organs and bones and overall health.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), nutritional counseling, and medication, including antidepressants, are used for treating anorexia nervosa. Hospitalization is the last treatment option in severe cases.
The primary cause of the disorder is still unknown. Anorexia nervosa can be caused by environmental, genetic, and psychological components like family dynamics, personality traits, and societal pressure.
Anorexia nervosa may lead to severe complications like infertility, heart problems, electrolyte imbalances, loss of bones, and even death if left untreated.
