Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder typically characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight. It is a psychological disorder that is much more than just excessive dieting. While it’s true that people who suffer from anorexia actively strive to be thinner, more importantly, what they are usually pursuing is a feeling of control over their own body. An individual may over-exercise, restrict calories to dangerous levels, and/or supplement with diet pills or diuretics to lose weight. Anorexics’ obsession with weight loss is in some ways very similar to addiction.

Although the majority of those affected by anorexia are female, males can also have this disorder. Anorexia often presents itself during adolescence, when children or teens begin feeling vulnerable to societal pressures. However, the disorder can start at any age, and can even recur later in life. It is estimated that 1 out of every 100 adolescent girls suffers from some form of anorexia.

If you think you or someone you know might be struggling with anorexia, here’s a list of things you should watch for:

• Rapid, sudden, often extreme weight loss
• Lack of concentration
• Obsession with food and/or thoughts of food
• Creation of food rituals. For instance, an anorexic may limit what they eat to just a few items, or they may cut food into very small pieces before eating it.
• Cooking for others. As one aspect of food obsession, many anorexics will cook and bake for others but not eat any of what they prepare themselves.
• Obsession with working out and exercise. Many people who suffer from anorexia commit to dangerous amounts of exercise, refusing to rest even if they become sick or physically exhausted.
• Past addictions (gambling, drugs, alcohol, etc.)
• Striving for perfection
• Acting more secretive (not eating around others, wearing baggy clothes to hide how thin they are, etc.)

Get help with eating disorders at Solace Counseling.