(1)  Eating disorders impact 24 million people in the United States and 70 million worldwide. These disorders go beyond normal dieting and involve extreme behavior related to food or exercise, such as starvation and binge eating. In the past few decades, eating disorders have become a major health crisis and can lead to serious complications or even fatalities if left untreated.

(2)  Anorexia nervosa is one of the most well-known eating disorders and is also one of the deadliest. People with this disease, known as anorexics, have an intense fear of gaining weight. They develop a distorted body image which prevents them from correctly evaluating their body size and shape. Anorexics believe they are overweight even when they are normal weight or even grossly underweight. When they look in the mirror, the image they see is not a true reflection of their appearance. As a result, they go to extreme lengths to lose pounds and typically starve themselves, until they become thinner and thinner. Many drop so much weight they develop a malnourished, emaciated appearance. Anorexics are often perfectionists who feel the disorder helps them gain control over their lives, when in fact, just the opposite occurs.

(3)  Most people who develop anorexia nervosa are young and female. About 1 out of 100 girls and women currently suffer from it. In the past, few young men and older adults got this disease. However, those numbers have been increasing. This is particularly true for male athletes or young men in the military, who feel driven to be thin and in shape. Males now make up 25% of all sufferers. Anorexia also used to be more common among European Americans, but that’s changing too. Occurrences are rapidly rising among other ethnic groups.

What Are the Causes?

(4)  There is no specific cause of anorexia nervosa. Like other eating disorders, it is a mental illness that arises from a combination of circumstances. Biological, emotional, and psychological factors work together to bring about this disease. While anorexia involves a preoccupation with food, the underlying issues are about much more than that. People with eating disorders use food and exercise to cope with painful emotions or situations in other areas of their lives.

(5)  Many different factors can contribute to the disorder. Anorexia nervosa often runs in families and current research suggests there could be a genetic link. Feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy are also two big contributors to this disease. A lack of control over one’s life and a history of substance abuse can play a part as well. Other psychological factors include depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Many sufferers are perfectionists who feel the need to control every aspect of their lives.

(6)  Social causes, such as troubled ties with family members or friends, are often to blame as well. They also include pressures from society to look thin and attractive. Success and self worth are often equated with a slender appearance. Other social causes include a history of being teased by peers because of body size.

(7)  There are several risk factors associated with anorexia. They include an early onset of puberty, participation in sports or other activities that place a premium on having a lean body, difficulty dealing with stress, regular dieting, and a history of physical or sexual abuse. Risk factors are not a guarantee that a person will become anorexic. Some young women who attend ballet classes and have problems with stress, for example, are more likely to get anorexia. However, others with the same risk factors cope just fine. Risk factors can play a part, but they don’t always lead to anorexia.

(8)  Researchers are still learning about all the underlying issues that can contribute to anorexia nervosa. For example, they’re studying possible biochemical causes. Some researchers are studying the possible effects of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood and appetite. Serotonin levels have been found to be out of balance in a percentage of individuals with anorexia or other eating disorders.

What Are the Symptoms?

(9)  Most people with anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight when they are actually underweight. They are obsessed with dropping pounds and do everything they can to lose weight. As a result, they often engage in purging behavior, which can include self-induced vomiting, along with a use of laxatives, diuretics, and/or enemas.

(10)  This can lead to a variety of short-term side effects and long-term complications. Some of the short-term symptoms include brittle nails and hair, cold or swollen hands and feet, constipation, dry skin with a yellowish cast, lethargy, and a lack of menstruation. Other side effects can last for a longer period of time and be harder to overcome. Without treatment, anorexics could suffer from malnutrition, heart problems, bone disease and other dangerous complications. Some of these effects continue to take a physical toll long after the disease has been treated and cured. Unfortunately, death is another complication of anorexia and about 20% of the people with this disorder die prematurely. The side effects that most commonly prove fatal include fluid imbalances and cardiac arrest. Suicide is another complication often linked to the disease.

How Is It Diagnosed?

(11)  There are two types of anorexia nervosa physicians consider when making a diagnosis. Patients who suffer from the binging/purging type regularly engage in binging behavior, or eating a lot of food in a short period of time, that is soon followed by purging. Patients who suffer from the restricting type of anorexia do not engage in binging and purging, but instead continually deny their bodies the nutrients they need. To determine if a person has either type, doctors question patients about eating habits and behaviors. They also perform exams, take x-rays and other scans and do blood and urine tests. Most importantly, they consult a medical handbook, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which has a list of criteria for each eating disorder. Even if a patient does not meet all the criteria, a doctor may be concerned enough to begin a course of treatment.

(12)  Another method that can determine if a person has anorexia nervosa is to measure the patient’s BMI, or body mass index. This is the answer to a mathematical formula that factors in weight and height. For example, if you weigh 135 lbs. and stand 63 inches tall your BMI is 24. For an individual who is at a normal weight, BMI typically measures between 18.5 and 24.9. If it drops below that, a person is considered underweight and could have anorexia or other another eating disorder.

How Is It Treated?

(13)  According to the National Eating Disorders Association, only one third of the people with anorexia receive the treatment they need. In general, the most important aspect of curing the disease is stopping starvation and returning the patient to a healthy appearance. Treating anorexia nervosa involves three major steps. The first involves restoring the patient to a healthy weight. To do this, anorexics often must be hospitalized, particularly if their weight has become dangerously low. Since malnutrition and a low body weight can impede a person’s ability to think clearly, anorexics also need to gain weight to move on to the next phases of their treatment.

(14)  During the second step, doctors treat the psychological issues that led to the disorder. This can involve one or more forms of therapy. Cognitive therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how a person thinks and feels. This part of the treatment process helps anorexics change how they see themselves and adjust distorted body images. The purpose of behavioral therapy is to alter the self-destructive behaviors of anorexia, including starvation and purging. During sessions, the patient may list alternatives to those behaviors or ways to avoid them. During interpersonal therapy, the doctor addresses the patient’s relationships with others. He or she may discuss unhealthy or harmful relationships while suggesting coping strategies.

(15)  In the third step, patients learn healthy behaviors related to eating and exercise. This involves another type of treatment known as nutritional therapy. Patients learn about the importance of eating a balanced diet and exercising in a healthy way. The use of medications can also be a part of a patient’s treatment plan and help adjust symptoms related to mood and anxiety. One or more of the following may be prescribed: antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, hormones to restore menstrual cycle, and dietary supplements. However, some studies suggest medications won’t prevent an anorexic from relapsing.

(16)  Unfortunately, there is no entirely effective treatment for anorexia and recovery could last years. Even after gaining weight, anorexics may remain thinner than average. Often, they display healthy behavior toward food for months at a time then suddenly relapse. Involving family members and friends can help with the adjustment and be a big advantage in the recovery process. However, long-term studies suggest that about half of all patients never fully recover.

(17)  Eating disorders don’t only impact the people who suffer from them. They also have a profound impact on friends and family members. For them, it can often feel as though the patient’s relationship with his or her eating disorder takes precedence over all other relationships. Parents and siblings of an anorexic often spend a great deal of time and energy worrying about him or her, or cajoling the person to seek help or change the behavior. As a result, living with someone who has an eating disorder can be a painful process, even during the road to recovery. Therefore, treatment plans often include counseling sessions for family members and close friends. This can go a long way toward repairing damaged relationships.

(18)  For average anorexics, the disease lasts less than two years, which is a shorter time period than other eating disorders. It is unclear, however, what could attribute to this fact. Anecdotal evidence suggests anorexics may be reluctant to participate in research studies, which could skew the results.

Can It Be Prevented?

(19)  The best way to prevent anorexia nervosa is to develop healthy attitudes toward food and exercise at a young age. Parents in particular can encourage and reinforce this type of behavior in a number of ways. Talk to your child about social pressures to be thin, set a good example with your own eating habits, and accept and support your child in all facets of life. Pediatricians can also help identify anorexia nervosa early. They can inquire about eating habits and check for weight fluctuations, for example. Identifying a disorder early can go a long way toward preventing complications and speeding the recovery process.

(20)  However, there is no sure way to prevent this kind of disorder. Outside pressures from peers or cultural influences often have as much of an impact as experiences in the home. Therefore, it is important for parents to keep an eye on their kids, watch how they eat and observe their attitudes toward food and their bodies, to ensure they remain healthy and happy.

(21)  If you are concerned someone you know may have anorexia, there are steps you can take to help him or her. If you see the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member, don’t think it’s all in your head or try to brush the problem under a rug. It is very likely the person is in denial about the disease, and if you don’t approach him or her the situation could become worse. Although it can be difficult to bring up such a delicate subject, talking about it can only help and is the first step toward a positive outcome.

(22)  Even if the person gets angry or defensive, don’t give up. Try to approach him or her at a later time when you’ve both had a chance to calm down and regroup. It could take several attempts before he or she is ready to listen. Also, anorexics often deny their behavior and at times don’t even realize they have a disease. Remember that pushing, lecturing or blaming won’t help. Always make it clear you’re only concerned about the person and have his or her best interests at heart. The best thing you can do for a person with anorexia nervosa is to encourage him or her to seek professional help. Eating disorders are mental illnesses that won’t go away on their own. They must be appropriately diagnosed and properly treated.

(1)  Eating disorders impact 24 million people in the United States and 70 million worldwide. These disorders go beyond normal dieting and involve extreme behavior related to food or exercise, such as starvation and binge eating. In the past few decades, eating disorders have become a major health crisis and can lead to serious complications or even fatalities if left untreated.

(2)  Anorexia nervosa is one of the most well-known eating disorders and is also one of the deadliest. People with this disease, known as anorexics, have an intense fear of gaining weight. They develop a distorted body image which prevents them from correctly evaluating their body size and shape. Anorexics believe they are overweight even when they are normal weight or even grossly underweight. When they look in the mirror, the image they see is not a true reflection of their appearance. As a result, they go to extreme lengths to lose pounds and typically starve themselves, until they become thinner and thinner. Many drop so much weight they develop a malnourished, emaciated appearance. Anorexics are often perfectionists who feel the disorder helps them gain control over their lives, when in fact, just the opposite occurs.

(3)  Most people who develop anorexia nervosa are young and female. About 1 out of 100 girls and women currently suffer from it. In the past, few young men and older adults got this disease. However, those numbers have been increasing. This is particularly true for male athletes or young men in the military, who feel driven to be thin and in shape. Males now make up 25% of all sufferers. Anorexia also used to be more common among European Americans, but that’s changing too. Occurrences are rapidly rising among other ethnic groups.

What Are the Causes?

(4)  There is no specific cause of anorexia nervosa. Like other eating disorders, it is a mental illness that arises from a combination of circumstances. Biological, emotional, and psychological factors work together to bring about this disease. While anorexia involves a preoccupation with food, the underlying issues are about much more than that. People with eating disorders use food and exercise to cope with painful emotions or situations in other areas of their lives.

(5)  Many different factors can contribute to the disorder. Anorexia nervosa often runs in families and current research suggests there could be a genetic link. Feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy are also two big contributors to this disease. A lack of control over one’s life and a history of substance abuse can play a part as well. Other psychological factors include depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Many sufferers are perfectionists who feel the need to control every aspect of their lives.

(6)  Social causes, such as troubled ties with family members or friends, are often to blame as well. They also include pressures from society to look thin and attractive. Success and self worth are often equated with a slender appearance. Other social causes include a history of being teased by peers because of body size.

(7)  There are several risk factors associated with anorexia. They include an early onset of puberty, participation in sports or other activities that place a premium on having a lean body, difficulty dealing with stress, regular dieting, and a history of physical or sexual abuse. Risk factors are not a guarantee that a person will become anorexic. Some young women who attend ballet classes and have problems with stress, for example, are more likely to get anorexia. However, others with the same risk factors cope just fine. Risk factors can play a part, but they don’t always lead to anorexia.

(8)  Researchers are still learning about all the underlying issues that can contribute to anorexia nervosa. For example, they’re studying possible biochemical causes. Some researchers are studying the possible effects of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood and appetite. Serotonin levels have been found to be out of balance in a percentage of individuals with anorexia or other eating disorders.

What Are the Symptoms?

(9)  Most people with anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight when they are actually underweight. They are obsessed with dropping pounds and do everything they can to lose weight. As a result, they often engage in purging behavior, which can include self-induced vomiting, along with a use of laxatives, diuretics, and/or enemas.

(10)  This can lead to a variety of short-term side effects and long-term complications. Some of the short-term symptoms include brittle nails and hair, cold or swollen hands and feet, constipation, dry skin with a yellowish cast, lethargy, and a lack of menstruation. Other side effects can last for a longer period of time and be harder to overcome. Without treatment, anorexics could suffer from malnutrition, heart problems, bone disease and other dangerous complications. Some of these effects continue to take a physical toll long after the disease has been treated and cured. Unfortunately, death is another complication of anorexia and about 20% of the people with this disorder die prematurely. The side effects that most commonly prove fatal include fluid imbalances and cardiac arrest. Suicide is another complication often linked to the disease.

How Is It Diagnosed?

(11)  There are two types of anorexia nervosa physicians consider when making a diagnosis. Patients who suffer from the binging/purging type regularly engage in binging behavior, or eating a lot of food in a short period of time, that is soon followed by purging. Patients who suffer from the restricting type of anorexia do not engage in binging and purging, but instead continually deny their bodies the nutrients they need. To determine if a person has either type, doctors question patients about eating habits and behaviors. They also perform exams, take x-rays and other scans and do blood and urine tests. Most importantly, they consult a medical handbook, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which has a list of criteria for each eating disorder. Even if a patient does not meet all the criteria, a doctor may be concerned enough to begin a course of treatment.

(12)  Another method that can determine if a person has anorexia nervosa is to measure the patient’s BMI, or body mass index. This is the answer to a mathematical formula that factors in weight and height. For example, if you weigh 135 lbs. and stand 63 inches tall your BMI is 24. For an individual who is at a normal weight, BMI typically measures between 18.5 and 24.9. If it drops below that, a person is considered underweight and could have anorexia or other another eating disorder.

How Is It Treated?

(13)  According to the National Eating Disorders Association, only one third of the people with anorexia receive the treatment they need. In general, the most important aspect of curing the disease is stopping starvation and returning the patient to a healthy appearance. Treating anorexia nervosa involves three major steps. The first involves restoring the patient to a healthy weight. To do this, anorexics often must be hospitalized, particularly if their weight has become dangerously low. Since malnutrition and a low body weight can impede a person’s ability to think clearly, anorexics also need to gain weight to move on to the next phases of their treatment.

(14)  During the second step, doctors treat the psychological issues that led to the disorder. This can involve one or more forms of therapy. Cognitive therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how a person thinks and feels. This part of the treatment process helps anorexics change how they see themselves and adjust distorted body images. The purpose of behavioral therapy is to alter the self-destructive behaviors of anorexia, including starvation and purging. During sessions, the patient may list alternatives to those behaviors or ways to avoid them. During interpersonal therapy, the doctor addresses the patient’s relationships with others. He or she may discuss unhealthy or harmful relationships while suggesting coping strategies.

(15)  In the third step, patients learn healthy behaviors related to eating and exercise. This involves another type of treatment known as nutritional therapy. Patients learn about the importance of eating a balanced diet and exercising in a healthy way. The use of medications can also be a part of a patient’s treatment plan and help adjust symptoms related to mood and anxiety. One or more of the following may be prescribed: antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, hormones to restore menstrual cycle, and dietary supplements. However, some studies suggest medications won’t prevent an anorexic from relapsing.

(16)  Unfortunately, there is no entirely effective treatment for anorexia and recovery could last years. Even after gaining weight, anorexics may remain thinner than average. Often, they display healthy behavior toward food for months at a time then suddenly relapse. Involving family members and friends can help with the adjustment and be a big advantage in the recovery process. However, long-term studies suggest that about half of all patients never fully recover.

(17)  Eating disorders don’t only impact the people who suffer from them. They also have a profound impact on friends and family members. For them, it can often feel as though the patient’s relationship with his or her eating disorder takes precedence over all other relationships. Parents and siblings of an anorexic often spend a great deal of time and energy worrying about him or her, or cajoling the person to seek help or change the behavior. As a result, living with someone who has an eating disorder can be a painful process, even during the road to recovery. Therefore, treatment plans often include counseling sessions for family members and close friends. This can go a long way toward repairing damaged relationships.

(18)  For average anorexics, the disease lasts less than two years, which is a shorter time period than other eating disorders. It is unclear, however, what could attribute to this fact. Anecdotal evidence suggests anorexics may be reluctant to participate in research studies, which could skew the results.

Can It Be Prevented?

(19)  The best way to prevent anorexia nervosa is to develop healthy attitudes toward food and exercise at a young age. Parents in particular can encourage and reinforce this type of behavior in a number of ways. Talk to your child about social pressures to be thin, set a good example with your own eating habits, and accept and support your child in all facets of life. Pediatricians can also help identify anorexia nervosa early. They can inquire about eating habits and check for weight fluctuations, for example. Identifying a disorder early can go a long way toward preventing complications and speeding the recovery process.

(20)  However, there is no sure way to prevent this kind of disorder. Outside pressures from peers or cultural influences often have as much of an impact as experiences in the home. Therefore, it is important for parents to keep an eye on their kids, watch how they eat and observe their attitudes toward food and their bodies, to ensure they remain healthy and happy.

(21)  If you are concerned someone you know may have anorexia, there are steps you can take to help him or her. If you see the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member, don’t think it’s all in your head or try to brush the problem under a rug. It is very likely the person is in denial about the disease, and if you don’t approach him or her the situation could become worse. Although it can be difficult to bring up such a delicate subject, talking about it can only help and is the first step toward a positive outcome.

(22)  Even if the person gets angry or defensive, don’t give up. Try to approach him or her at a later time when you’ve both had a chance to calm down and regroup. It could take several attempts before he or she is ready to listen. Also, anorexics often deny their behavior and at times don’t even realize they have a disease. Remember that pushing, lecturing or blaming won’t help. Always make it clear you’re only concerned about the person and have his or her best interests at heart. The best thing you can do for a person with anorexia nervosa is to encourage him or her to seek professional help. Eating disorders are mental illnesses that won’t go away on their own. They must be appropriately diagnosed and properly treated.

(1)  Eating disorders impact 24 million people in the United States and 70 million worldwide. These disorders go beyond normal dieting and involve extreme behavior related to food or exercise, such as starvation and binge eating. In the past few decades, eating disorders have become a major health crisis and can lead to serious complications or even fatalities if left untreated.

(2)  Anorexia nervosa is one of the most well-known eating disorders and is also one of the deadliest. People with this disease, known as anorexics, have an intense fear of gaining weight. They develop a distorted body image which prevents them from correctly evaluating their body size and shape. Anorexics believe they are overweight even when they are normal weight or even grossly underweight. When they look in the mirror, the image they see is not a true reflection of their appearance. As a result, they go to extreme lengths to lose pounds and typically starve themselves, until they become thinner and thinner. Many drop so much weight they develop a malnourished, emaciated appearance. Anorexics are often perfectionists who feel the disorder helps them gain control over their lives, when in fact, just the opposite occurs.

(3)  Most people who develop anorexia nervosa are young and female. About 1 out of 100 girls and women currently suffer from it. In the past, few young men and older adults got this disease. However, those numbers have been increasing. This is particularly true for male athletes or young men in the military, who feel driven to be thin and in shape. Males now make up 25% of all sufferers. Anorexia also used to be more common among European Americans, but that’s changing too. Occurrences are rapidly rising among other ethnic groups.

What Are the Causes?

(4)  There is no specific cause of anorexia nervosa. Like other eating disorders, it is a mental illness that arises from a combination of circumstances. Biological, emotional, and psychological factors work together to bring about this disease. While anorexia involves a preoccupation with food, the underlying issues are about much more than that. People with eating disorders use food and exercise to cope with painful emotions or situations in other areas of their lives.

(5)  Many different factors can contribute to the disorder. Anorexia nervosa often runs in families and current research suggests there could be a genetic link. Feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy are also two big contributors to this disease. A lack of control over one’s life and a history of substance abuse can play a part as well. Other psychological factors include depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Many sufferers are perfectionists who feel the need to control every aspect of their lives.

(6)  Social causes, such as troubled ties with family members or friends, are often to blame as well. They also include pressures from society to look thin and attractive. Success and self worth are often equated with a slender appearance. Other social causes include a history of being teased by peers because of body size.

(7)  There are several risk factors associated with anorexia. They include an early onset of puberty, participation in sports or other activities that place a premium on having a lean body, difficulty dealing with stress, regular dieting, and a history of physical or sexual abuse. Risk factors are not a guarantee that a person will become anorexic. Some young women who attend ballet classes and have problems with stress, for example, are more likely to get anorexia. However, others with the same risk factors cope just fine. Risk factors can play a part, but they don’t always lead to anorexia.

(8)  Researchers are still learning about all the underlying issues that can contribute to anorexia nervosa. For example, they’re studying possible biochemical causes. Some researchers are studying the possible effects of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood and appetite. Serotonin levels have been found to be out of balance in a percentage of individuals with anorexia or other eating disorders.

What Are the Symptoms?

(9)  Most people with anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight when they are actually underweight. They are obsessed with dropping pounds and do everything they can to lose weight. As a result, they often engage in purging behavior, which can include self-induced vomiting, along with a use of laxatives, diuretics, and/or enemas.

(10)  This can lead to a variety of short-term side effects and long-term complications. Some of the short-term symptoms include brittle nails and hair, cold or swollen hands and feet, constipation, dry skin with a yellowish cast, lethargy, and a lack of menstruation. Other side effects can last for a longer period of time and be harder to overcome. Without treatment, anorexics could suffer from malnutrition, heart problems, bone disease and other dangerous complications. Some of these effects continue to take a physical toll long after the disease has been treated and cured. Unfortunately, death is another complication of anorexia and about 20% of the people with this disorder die prematurely. The side effects that most commonly prove fatal include fluid imbalances and cardiac arrest. Suicide is another complication often linked to the disease.

How Is It Diagnosed?

(11)  There are two types of anorexia nervosa physicians consider when making a diagnosis. Patients who suffer from the binging/purging type regularly engage in binging behavior, or eating a lot of food in a short period of time, that is soon followed by purging. Patients who suffer from the restricting type of anorexia do not engage in binging and purging, but instead continually deny their bodies the nutrients they need. To determine if a person has either type, doctors question patients about eating habits and behaviors. They also perform exams, take x-rays and other scans and do blood and urine tests. Most importantly, they consult a medical handbook, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which has a list of criteria for each eating disorder. Even if a patient does not meet all the criteria, a doctor may be concerned enough to begin a course of treatment.

(12)  Another method that can determine if a person has anorexia nervosa is to measure the patient’s BMI, or body mass index. This is the answer to a mathematical formula that factors in weight and height. For example, if you weigh 135 lbs. and stand 63 inches tall your BMI is 24. For an individual who is at a normal weight, BMI typically measures between 18.5 and 24.9. If it drops below that, a person is considered underweight and could have anorexia or other another eating disorder.

How Is It Treated?

(13)  According to the National Eating Disorders Association, only one third of the people with anorexia receive the treatment they need. In general, the most important aspect of curing the disease is stopping starvation and returning the patient to a healthy appearance. Treating anorexia nervosa involves three major steps. The first involves restoring the patient to a healthy weight. To do this, anorexics often must be hospitalized, particularly if their weight has become dangerously low. Since malnutrition and a low body weight can impede a person’s ability to think clearly, anorexics also need to gain weight to move on to the next phases of their treatment.

(14)  During the second step, doctors treat the psychological issues that led to the disorder. This can involve one or more forms of therapy. Cognitive therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how a person thinks and feels. This part of the treatment process helps anorexics change how they see themselves and adjust distorted body images. The purpose of behavioral therapy is to alter the self-destructive behaviors of anorexia, including starvation and purging. During sessions, the patient may list alternatives to those behaviors or ways to avoid them. During interpersonal therapy, the doctor addresses the patient’s relationships with others. He or she may discuss unhealthy or harmful relationships while suggesting coping strategies.

(15)  In the third step, patients learn healthy behaviors related to eating and exercise. This involves another type of treatment known as nutritional therapy. Patients learn about the importance of eating a balanced diet and exercising in a healthy way. The use of medications can also be a part of a patient’s treatment plan and help adjust symptoms related to mood and anxiety. One or more of the following may be prescribed: antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, hormones to restore menstrual cycle, and dietary supplements. However, some studies suggest medications won’t prevent an anorexic from relapsing.

(16)  Unfortunately, there is no entirely effective treatment for anorexia and recovery could last years. Even after gaining weight, anorexics may remain thinner than average. Often, they display healthy behavior toward food for months at a time then suddenly relapse. Involving family members and friends can help with the adjustment and be a big advantage in the recovery process. However, long-term studies suggest that about half of all patients never fully recover.

(17)  Eating disorders don’t only impact the people who suffer from them. They also have a profound impact on friends and family members. For them, it can often feel as though the patient’s relationship with his or her eating disorder takes precedence over all other relationships. Parents and siblings of an anorexic often spend a great deal of time and energy worrying about him or her, or cajoling the person to seek help or change the behavior. As a result, living with someone who has an eating disorder can be a painful process, even during the road to recovery. Therefore, treatment plans often include counseling sessions for family members and close friends. This can go a long way toward repairing damaged relationships.

(18)  For average anorexics, the disease lasts less than two years, which is a shorter time period than other eating disorders. It is unclear, however, what could attribute to this fact. Anecdotal evidence suggests anorexics may be reluctant to participate in research studies, which could skew the results.

Can It Be Prevented?

(19)  The best way to prevent anorexia nervosa is to develop healthy attitudes toward food and exercise at a young age. Parents in particular can encourage and reinforce this type of behavior in a number of ways. Talk to your child about social pressures to be thin, set a good example with your own eating habits, and accept and support your child in all facets of life. Pediatricians can also help identify anorexia nervosa early. They can inquire about eating habits and check for weight fluctuations, for example. Identifying a disorder early can go a long way toward preventing complications and speeding the recovery process.

(20)  However, there is no sure way to prevent this kind of disorder. Outside pressures from peers or cultural influences often have as much of an impact as experiences in the home. Therefore, it is important for parents to keep an eye on their kids, watch how they eat and observe their attitudes toward food and their bodies, to ensure they remain healthy and happy.

(21)  If you are concerned someone you know may have anorexia, there are steps you can take to help him or her. If you see the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member, don’t think it’s all in your head or try to brush the problem under a rug. It is very likely the person is in denial about the disease, and if you don’t approach him or her the situation could become worse. Although it can be difficult to bring up such a delicate subject, talking about it can only help and is the first step toward a positive outcome.

(22)  Even if the person gets angry or defensive, don’t give up. Try to approach him or her at a later time when you’ve both had a chance to calm down and regroup. It could take several attempts before he or she is ready to listen. Also, anorexics often deny their behavior and at times don’t even realize they have a disease. Remember that pushing, lecturing or blaming won’t help. Always make it clear you’re only concerned about the person and have his or her best interests at heart. The best thing you can do for a person with anorexia nervosa is to encourage him or her to seek professional help. Eating disorders are mental illnesses that won’t go away on their own. They must be appropriately diagnosed and properly treated.

(1)  Eating disorders impact 24 million people in the United States and 70 million worldwide. These disorders go beyond normal dieting and involve extreme behavior related to food or exercise, such as starvation and binge eating. In the past few decades, eating disorders have become a major health crisis and can lead to serious complications or even fatalities if left untreated.

(2)  Anorexia nervosa is one of the most well-known eating disorders and is also one of the deadliest. People with this disease, known as anorexics, have an intense fear of gaining weight. They develop a distorted body image which prevents them from correctly evaluating their body size and shape. Anorexics believe they are overweight even when they are normal weight or even grossly underweight. When they look in the mirror, the image they see is not a true reflection of their appearance. As a result, they go to extreme lengths to lose pounds and typically starve themselves, until they become thinner and thinner. Many drop so much weight they develop a malnourished, emaciated appearance. Anorexics are often perfectionists who feel the disorder helps them gain control over their lives, when in fact, just the opposite occurs.

(3)  Most people who develop anorexia nervosa are young and female. About 1 out of 100 girls and women currently suffer from it. In the past, few young men and older adults got this disease. However, those numbers have been increasing. This is particularly true for male athletes or young men in the military, who feel driven to be thin and in shape. Males now make up 25% of all sufferers. Anorexia also used to be more common among European Americans, but that’s changing too. Occurrences are rapidly rising among other ethnic groups.

What Are the Causes?

(4)  There is no specific cause of anorexia nervosa. Like other eating disorders, it is a mental illness that arises from a combination of circumstances. Biological, emotional, and psychological factors work together to bring about this disease. While anorexia involves a preoccupation with food, the underlying issues are about much more than that. People with eating disorders use food and exercise to cope with painful emotions or situations in other areas of their lives.

(5)  Many different factors can contribute to the disorder. Anorexia nervosa often runs in families and current research suggests there could be a genetic link. Feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy are also two big contributors to this disease. A lack of control over one’s life and a history of substance abuse can play a part as well. Other psychological factors include depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Many sufferers are perfectionists who feel the need to control every aspect of their lives.

(6)  Social causes, such as troubled ties with family members or friends, are often to blame as well. They also include pressures from society to look thin and attractive. Success and self worth are often equated with a slender appearance. Other social causes include a history of being teased by peers because of body size.

(7)  There are several risk factors associated with anorexia. They include an early onset of puberty, participation in sports or other activities that place a premium on having a lean body, difficulty dealing with stress, regular dieting, and a history of physical or sexual abuse. Risk factors are not a guarantee that a person will become anorexic. Some young women who attend ballet classes and have problems with stress, for example, are more likely to get anorexia. However, others with the same risk factors cope just fine. Risk factors can play a part, but they don’t always lead to anorexia.

(8)  Researchers are still learning about all the underlying issues that can contribute to anorexia nervosa. For example, they’re studying possible biochemical causes. Some researchers are studying the possible effects of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood and appetite. Serotonin levels have been found to be out of balance in a percentage of individuals with anorexia or other eating disorders.

What Are the Symptoms?

(9)  Most people with anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight when they are actually underweight. They are obsessed with dropping pounds and do everything they can to lose weight. As a result, they often engage in purging behavior, which can include self-induced vomiting, along with a use of laxatives, diuretics, and/or enemas.

(10)  This can lead to a variety of short-term side effects and long-term complications. Some of the short-term symptoms include brittle nails and hair, cold or swollen hands and feet, constipation, dry skin with a yellowish cast, lethargy, and a lack of menstruation. Other side effects can last for a longer period of time and be harder to overcome. Without treatment, anorexics could suffer from malnutrition, heart problems, bone disease and other dangerous complications. Some of these effects continue to take a physical toll long after the disease has been treated and cured. Unfortunately, death is another complication of anorexia and about 20% of the people with this disorder die prematurely. The side effects that most commonly prove fatal include fluid imbalances and cardiac arrest. Suicide is another complication often linked to the disease.

How Is It Diagnosed?

(11)  There are two types of anorexia nervosa physicians consider when making a diagnosis. Patients who suffer from the binging/purging type regularly engage in binging behavior, or eating a lot of food in a short period of time, that is soon followed by purging. Patients who suffer from the restricting type of anorexia do not engage in binging and purging, but instead continually deny their bodies the nutrients they need. To determine if a person has either type, doctors question patients about eating habits and behaviors. They also perform exams, take x-rays and other scans and do blood and urine tests. Most importantly, they consult a medical handbook, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which has a list of criteria for each eating disorder. Even if a patient does not meet all the criteria, a doctor may be concerned enough to begin a course of treatment.

(12)  Another method that can determine if a person has anorexia nervosa is to measure the patient’s BMI, or body mass index. This is the answer to a mathematical formula that factors in weight and height. For example, if you weigh 135 lbs. and stand 63 inches tall your BMI is 24. For an individual who is at a normal weight, BMI typically measures between 18.5 and 24.9. If it drops below that, a person is considered underweight and could have anorexia or other another eating disorder.

How Is It Treated?

(13)  According to the National Eating Disorders Association, only one third of the people with anorexia receive the treatment they need. In general, the most important aspect of curing the disease is stopping starvation and returning the patient to a healthy appearance. Treating anorexia nervosa involves three major steps. The first involves restoring the patient to a healthy weight. To do this, anorexics often must be hospitalized, particularly if their weight has become dangerously low. Since malnutrition and a low body weight can impede a person’s ability to think clearly, anorexics also need to gain weight to move on to the next phases of their treatment.

(14)  During the second step, doctors treat the psychological issues that led to the disorder. This can involve one or more forms of therapy. Cognitive therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how a person thinks and feels. This part of the treatment process helps anorexics change how they see themselves and adjust distorted body images. The purpose of behavioral therapy is to alter the self-destructive behaviors of anorexia, including starvation and purging. During sessions, the patient may list alternatives to those behaviors or ways to avoid them. During interpersonal therapy, the doctor addresses the patient’s relationships with others. He or she may discuss unhealthy or harmful relationships while suggesting coping strategies.

(15)  In the third step, patients learn healthy behaviors related to eating and exercise. This involves another type of treatment known as nutritional therapy. Patients learn about the importance of eating a balanced diet and exercising in a healthy way. The use of medications can also be a part of a patient’s treatment plan and help adjust symptoms related to mood and anxiety. One or more of the following may be prescribed: antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, hormones to restore menstrual cycle, and dietary supplements. However, some studies suggest medications won’t prevent an anorexic from relapsing.

(16)  Unfortunately, there is no entirely effective treatment for anorexia and recovery could last years. Even after gaining weight, anorexics may remain thinner than average. Often, they display healthy behavior toward food for months at a time then suddenly relapse. Involving family members and friends can help with the adjustment and be a big advantage in the recovery process. However, long-term studies suggest that about half of all patients never fully recover.

(17)  Eating disorders don’t only impact the people who suffer from them. They also have a profound impact on friends and family members. For them, it can often feel as though the patient’s relationship with his or her eating disorder takes precedence over all other relationships. Parents and siblings of an anorexic often spend a great deal of time and energy worrying about him or her, or cajoling the person to seek help or change the behavior. As a result, living with someone who has an eating disorder can be a painful process, even during the road to recovery. Therefore, treatment plans often include counseling sessions for family members and close friends. This can go a long way toward repairing damaged relationships.

(18)  For average anorexics, the disease lasts less than two years, which is a shorter time period than other eating disorders. It is unclear, however, what could attribute to this fact. Anecdotal evidence suggests anorexics may be reluctant to participate in research studies, which could skew the results.

Can It Be Prevented?

(19)  The best way to prevent anorexia nervosa is to develop healthy attitudes toward food and exercise at a young age. Parents in particular can encourage and reinforce this type of behavior in a number of ways. Talk to your child about social pressures to be thin, set a good example with your own eating habits, and accept and support your child in all facets of life. Pediatricians can also help identify anorexia nervosa early. They can inquire about eating habits and check for weight fluctuations, for example. Identifying a disorder early can go a long way toward preventing complications and speeding the recovery process.

(20)  However, there is no sure way to prevent this kind of disorder. Outside pressures from peers or cultural influences often have as much of an impact as experiences in the home. Therefore, it is important for parents to keep an eye on their kids, watch how they eat and observe their attitudes toward food and their bodies, to ensure they remain healthy and happy.

(21)  If you are concerned someone you know may have anorexia, there are steps you can take to help him or her. If you see the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member, don’t think it’s all in your head or try to brush the problem under a rug. It is very likely the person is in denial about the disease, and if you don’t approach him or her the situation could become worse. Although it can be difficult to bring up such a delicate subject, talking about it can only help and is the first step toward a positive outcome.

(22)  Even if the person gets angry or defensive, don’t give up. Try to approach him or her at a later time when you’ve both had a chance to calm down and regroup. It could take several attempts before he or she is ready to listen. Also, anorexics often deny their behavior and at times don’t even realize they have a disease. Remember that pushing, lecturing or blaming won’t help. Always make it clear you’re only concerned about the person and have his or her best interests at heart. The best thing you can do for a person with anorexia nervosa is to encourage him or her to seek professional help. Eating disorders are mental illnesses that won’t go away on their own. They must be appropriately diagnosed and properly treated.

(1)  Eating disorders impact 24 million people in the United States and 70 million worldwide. These disorders go beyond normal dieting and involve extreme behavior related to food or exercise, such as starvation and binge eating. In the past few decades, eating disorders have become a major health crisis and can lead to serious complications or even fatalities if left untreated.

(2)  Anorexia nervosa is one of the most well-known eating disorders and is also one of the deadliest. People with this disease, known as anorexics, have an intense fear of gaining weight. They develop a distorted body image which prevents them from correctly evaluating their body size and shape. Anorexics believe they are overweight even when they are normal weight or even grossly underweight. When they look in the mirror, the image they see is not a true reflection of their appearance. As a result, they go to extreme lengths to lose pounds and typically starve themselves, until they become thinner and thinner. Many drop so much weight they develop a malnourished, emaciated appearance. Anorexics are often perfectionists who feel the disorder helps them gain control over their lives, when in fact, just the opposite occurs.

(3)  Most people who develop anorexia nervosa are young and female. About 1 out of 100 girls and women currently suffer from it. In the past, few young men and older adults got this disease. However, those numbers have been increasing. This is particularly true for male athletes or young men in the military, who feel driven to be thin and in shape. Males now make up 25% of all sufferers. Anorexia also used to be more common among European Americans, but that’s changing too. Occurrences are rapidly rising among other ethnic groups.

What Are the Causes?

(4)  There is no specific cause of anorexia nervosa. Like other eating disorders, it is a mental illness that arises from a combination of circumstances. Biological, emotional, and psychological factors work together to bring about this disease. While anorexia involves a preoccupation with food, the underlying issues are about much more than that. People with eating disorders use food and exercise to cope with painful emotions or situations in other areas of their lives.

(5)  Many different factors can contribute to the disorder. Anorexia nervosa often runs in families and current research suggests there could be a genetic link. Feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy are also two big contributors to this disease. A lack of control over one’s life and a history of substance abuse can play a part as well. Other psychological factors include depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Many sufferers are perfectionists who feel the need to control every aspect of their lives.

(6)  Social causes, such as troubled ties with family members or friends, are often to blame as well. They also include pressures from society to look thin and attractive. Success and self worth are often equated with a slender appearance. Other social causes include a history of being teased by peers because of body size.

(7)  There are several risk factors associated with anorexia. They include an early onset of puberty, participation in sports or other activities that place a premium on having a lean body, difficulty dealing with stress, regular dieting, and a history of physical or sexual abuse. Risk factors are not a guarantee that a person will become anorexic. Some young women who attend ballet classes and have problems with stress, for example, are more likely to get anorexia. However, others with the same risk factors cope just fine. Risk factors can play a part, but they don’t always lead to anorexia.

(8)  Researchers are still learning about all the underlying issues that can contribute to anorexia nervosa. For example, they’re studying possible biochemical causes. Some researchers are studying the possible effects of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood and appetite. Serotonin levels have been found to be out of balance in a percentage of individuals with anorexia or other eating disorders.

What Are the Symptoms?

(9)  Most people with anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight when they are actually underweight. They are obsessed with dropping pounds and do everything they can to lose weight. As a result, they often engage in purging behavior, which can include self-induced vomiting, along with a use of laxatives, diuretics, and/or enemas.

(10)  This can lead to a variety of short-term side effects and long-term complications. Some of the short-term symptoms include brittle nails and hair, cold or swollen hands and feet, constipation, dry skin with a yellowish cast, lethargy, and a lack of menstruation. Other side effects can last for a longer period of time and be harder to overcome. Without treatment, anorexics could suffer from malnutrition, heart problems, bone disease and other dangerous complications. Some of these effects continue to take a physical toll long after the disease has been treated and cured. Unfortunately, death is another complication of anorexia and about 20% of the people with this disorder die prematurely. The side effects that most commonly prove fatal include fluid imbalances and cardiac arrest. Suicide is another complication often linked to the disease.

How Is It Diagnosed?

(11)  There are two types of anorexia nervosa physicians consider when making a diagnosis. Patients who suffer from the binging/purging type regularly engage in binging behavior, or eating a lot of food in a short period of time, that is soon followed by purging. Patients who suffer from the restricting type of anorexia do not engage in binging and purging, but instead continually deny their bodies the nutrients they need. To determine if a person has either type, doctors question patients about eating habits and behaviors. They also perform exams, take x-rays and other scans and do blood and urine tests. Most importantly, they consult a medical handbook, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which has a list of criteria for each eating disorder. Even if a patient does not meet all the criteria, a doctor may be concerned enough to begin a course of treatment.

(12)  Another method that can determine if a person has anorexia nervosa is to measure the patient’s BMI, or body mass index. This is the answer to a mathematical formula that factors in weight and height. For example, if you weigh 135 lbs. and stand 63 inches tall your BMI is 24. For an individual who is at a normal weight, BMI typically measures between 18.5 and 24.9. If it drops below that, a person is considered underweight and could have anorexia or other another eating disorder.

How Is It Treated?

(13)  According to the National Eating Disorders Association, only one third of the people with anorexia receive the treatment they need. In general, the most important aspect of curing the disease is stopping starvation and returning the patient to a healthy appearance. Treating anorexia nervosa involves three major steps. The first involves restoring the patient to a healthy weight. To do this, anorexics often must be hospitalized, particularly if their weight has become dangerously low. Since malnutrition and a low body weight can impede a person’s ability to think clearly, anorexics also need to gain weight to move on to the next phases of their treatment.

(14)  During the second step, doctors treat the psychological issues that led to the disorder. This can involve one or more forms of therapy. Cognitive therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how a person thinks and feels. This part of the treatment process helps anorexics change how they see themselves and adjust distorted body images. The purpose of behavioral therapy is to alter the self-destructive behaviors of anorexia, including starvation and purging. During sessions, the patient may list alternatives to those behaviors or ways to avoid them. During interpersonal therapy, the doctor addresses the patient’s relationships with others. He or she may discuss unhealthy or harmful relationships while suggesting coping strategies.

(15)  In the third step, patients learn healthy behaviors related to eating and exercise. This involves another type of treatment known as nutritional therapy. Patients learn about the importance of eating a balanced diet and exercising in a healthy way. The use of medications can also be a part of a patient’s treatment plan and help adjust symptoms related to mood and anxiety. One or more of the following may be prescribed: antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, hormones to restore menstrual cycle, and dietary supplements. However, some studies suggest medications won’t prevent an anorexic from relapsing.

(16)  Unfortunately, there is no entirely effective treatment for anorexia and recovery could last years. Even after gaining weight, anorexics may remain thinner than average. Often, they display healthy behavior toward food for months at a time then suddenly relapse. Involving family members and friends can help with the adjustment and be a big advantage in the recovery process. However, long-term studies suggest that about half of all patients never fully recover.

(17)  Eating disorders don’t only impact the people who suffer from them. They also have a profound impact on friends and family members. For them, it can often feel as though the patient’s relationship with his or her eating disorder takes precedence over all other relationships. Parents and siblings of an anorexic often spend a great deal of time and energy worrying about him or her, or cajoling the person to seek help or change the behavior. As a result, living with someone who has an eating disorder can be a painful process, even during the road to recovery. Therefore, treatment plans often include counseling sessions for family members and close friends. This can go a long way toward repairing damaged relationships.

(18)  For average anorexics, the disease lasts less than two years, which is a shorter time period than other eating disorders. It is unclear, however, what could attribute to this fact. Anecdotal evidence suggests anorexics may be reluctant to participate in research studies, which could skew the results.

Can It Be Prevented?

(19)  The best way to prevent anorexia nervosa is to develop healthy attitudes toward food and exercise at a young age. Parents in particular can encourage and reinforce this type of behavior in a number of ways. Talk to your child about social pressures to be thin, set a good example with your own eating habits, and accept and support your child in all facets of life. Pediatricians can also help identify anorexia nervosa early. They can inquire about eating habits and check for weight fluctuations, for example. Identifying a disorder early can go a long way toward preventing complications and speeding the recovery process.

(20)  However, there is no sure way to prevent this kind of disorder. Outside pressures from peers or cultural influences often have as much of an impact as experiences in the home. Therefore, it is important for parents to keep an eye on their kids, watch how they eat and observe their attitudes toward food and their bodies, to ensure they remain healthy and happy.

(21)  If you are concerned someone you know may have anorexia, there are steps you can take to help him or her. If you see the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member, don’t think it’s all in your head or try to brush the problem under a rug. It is very likely the person is in denial about the disease, and if you don’t approach him or her the situation could become worse. Although it can be difficult to bring up such a delicate subject, talking about it can only help and is the first step toward a positive outcome.

(22)  Even if the person gets angry or defensive, don’t give up. Try to approach him or her at a later time when you’ve both had a chance to calm down and regroup. It could take several attempts before he or she is ready to listen. Also, anorexics often deny their behavior and at times don’t even realize they have a disease. Remember that pushing, lecturing or blaming won’t help. Always make it clear you’re only concerned about the person and have his or her best interests at heart. The best thing you can do for a person with anorexia nervosa is to encourage him or her to seek professional help. Eating disorders are mental illnesses that won’t go away on their own. They must be appropriately diagnosed and properly treated.

(1)  Eating disorders impact 24 million people in the United States and 70 million worldwide. These disorders go beyond normal dieting and involve extreme behavior related to food or exercise, such as starvation and binge eating. In the past few decades, eating disorders have become a major health crisis and can lead to serious complications or even fatalities if left untreated.

(2)  Anorexia nervosa is one of the most well-known eating disorders and is also one of the deadliest. People with this disease, known as anorexics, have an intense fear of gaining weight. They develop a distorted body image which prevents them from correctly evaluating their body size and shape. Anorexics believe they are overweight even when they are normal weight or even grossly underweight. When they look in the mirror, the image they see is not a true reflection of their appearance. As a result, they go to extreme lengths to lose pounds and typically starve themselves, until they become thinner and thinner. Many drop so much weight they develop a malnourished, emaciated appearance. Anorexics are often perfectionists who feel the disorder helps them gain control over their lives, when in fact, just the opposite occurs.

(3)  Most people who develop anorexia nervosa are young and female. About 1 out of 100 girls and women currently suffer from it. In the past, few young men and older adults got this disease. However, those numbers have been increasing. This is particularly true for male athletes or young men in the military, who feel driven to be thin and in shape. Males now make up 25% of all sufferers. Anorexia also used to be more common among European Americans, but that’s changing too. Occurrences are rapidly rising among other ethnic groups.

What Are the Causes?

(4)  There is no specific cause of anorexia nervosa. Like other eating disorders, it is a mental illness that arises from a combination of circumstances. Biological, emotional, and psychological factors work together to bring about this disease. While anorexia involves a preoccupation with food, the underlying issues are about much more than that. People with eating disorders use food and exercise to cope with painful emotions or situations in other areas of their lives.

(5)  Many different factors can contribute to the disorder. Anorexia nervosa often runs in families and current research suggests there could be a genetic link. Feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy are also two big contributors to this disease. A lack of control over one’s life and a history of substance abuse can play a part as well. Other psychological factors include depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Many sufferers are perfectionists who feel the need to control every aspect of their lives.

(6)  Social causes, such as troubled ties with family members or friends, are often to blame as well. They also include pressures from society to look thin and attractive. Success and self worth are often equated with a slender appearance. Other social causes include a history of being teased by peers because of body size.

(7)  There are several risk factors associated with anorexia. They include an early onset of puberty, participation in sports or other activities that place a premium on having a lean body, difficulty dealing with stress, regular dieting, and a history of physical or sexual abuse. Risk factors are not a guarantee that a person will become anorexic. Some young women who attend ballet classes and have problems with stress, for example, are more likely to get anorexia. However, others with the same risk factors cope just fine. Risk factors can play a part, but they don’t always lead to anorexia.

(8)  Researchers are still learning about all the underlying issues that can contribute to anorexia nervosa. For example, they’re studying possible biochemical causes. Some researchers are studying the possible effects of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood and appetite. Serotonin levels have been found to be out of balance in a percentage of individuals with anorexia or other eating disorders.

What Are the Symptoms?

(9)  Most people with anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight when they are actually underweight. They are obsessed with dropping pounds and do everything they can to lose weight. As a result, they often engage in purging behavior, which can include self-induced vomiting, along with a use of laxatives, diuretics, and/or enemas.

(10)  This can lead to a variety of short-term side effects and long-term complications. Some of the short-term symptoms include brittle nails and hair, cold or swollen hands and feet, constipation, dry skin with a yellowish cast, lethargy, and a lack of menstruation. Other side effects can last for a longer period of time and be harder to overcome. Without treatment, anorexics could suffer from malnutrition, heart problems, bone disease and other dangerous complications. Some of these effects continue to take a physical toll long after the disease has been treated and cured. Unfortunately, death is another complication of anorexia and about 20% of the people with this disorder die prematurely. The side effects that most commonly prove fatal include fluid imbalances and cardiac arrest. Suicide is another complication often linked to the disease.

How Is It Diagnosed?

(11)  There are two types of anorexia nervosa physicians consider when making a diagnosis. Patients who suffer from the binging/purging type regularly engage in binging behavior, or eating a lot of food in a short period of time, that is soon followed by purging. Patients who suffer from the restricting type of anorexia do not engage in binging and purging, but instead continually deny their bodies the nutrients they need. To determine if a person has either type, doctors question patients about eating habits and behaviors. They also perform exams, take x-rays and other scans and do blood and urine tests. Most importantly, they consult a medical handbook, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which has a list of criteria for each eating disorder. Even if a patient does not meet all the criteria, a doctor may be concerned enough to begin a course of treatment.

(12)  Another method that can determine if a person has anorexia nervosa is to measure the patient’s BMI, or body mass index. This is the answer to a mathematical formula that factors in weight and height. For example, if you weigh 135 lbs. and stand 63 inches tall your BMI is 24. For an individual who is at a normal weight, BMI typically measures between 18.5 and 24.9. If it drops below that, a person is considered underweight and could have anorexia or other another eating disorder.

How Is It Treated?

(13)  According to the National Eating Disorders Association, only one third of the people with anorexia receive the treatment they need. In general, the most important aspect of curing the disease is stopping starvation and returning the patient to a healthy appearance. Treating anorexia nervosa involves three major steps. The first involves restoring the patient to a healthy weight. To do this, anorexics often must be hospitalized, particularly if their weight has become dangerously low. Since malnutrition and a low body weight can impede a person’s ability to think clearly, anorexics also need to gain weight to move on to the next phases of their treatment.

(14)  During the second step, doctors treat the psychological issues that led to the disorder. This can involve one or more forms of therapy. Cognitive therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how a person thinks and feels. This part of the treatment process helps anorexics change how they see themselves and adjust distorted body images. The purpose of behavioral therapy is to alter the self-destructive behaviors of anorexia, including starvation and purging. During sessions, the patient may list alternatives to those behaviors or ways to avoid them. During interpersonal therapy, the doctor addresses the patient’s relationships with others. He or she may discuss unhealthy or harmful relationships while suggesting coping strategies.

(15)  In the third step, patients learn healthy behaviors related to eating and exercise. This involves another type of treatment known as nutritional therapy. Patients learn about the importance of eating a balanced diet and exercising in a healthy way. The use of medications can also be a part of a patient’s treatment plan and help adjust symptoms related to mood and anxiety. One or more of the following may be prescribed: antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, hormones to restore menstrual cycle, and dietary supplements. However, some studies suggest medications won’t prevent an anorexic from relapsing.

(16)  Unfortunately, there is no entirely effective treatment for anorexia and recovery could last years. Even after gaining weight, anorexics may remain thinner than average. Often, they display healthy behavior toward food for months at a time then suddenly relapse. Involving family members and friends can help with the adjustment and be a big advantage in the recovery process. However, long-term studies suggest that about half of all patients never fully recover.

(17)  Eating disorders don’t only impact the people who suffer from them. They also have a profound impact on friends and family members. For them, it can often feel as though the patient’s relationship with his or her eating disorder takes precedence over all other relationships. Parents and siblings of an anorexic often spend a great deal of time and energy worrying about him or her, or cajoling the person to seek help or change the behavior. As a result, living with someone who has an eating disorder can be a painful process, even during the road to recovery. Therefore, treatment plans often include counseling sessions for family members and close friends. This can go a long way toward repairing damaged relationships.

(18)  For average anorexics, the disease lasts less than two years, which is a shorter time period than other eating disorders. It is unclear, however, what could attribute to this fact. Anecdotal evidence suggests anorexics may be reluctant to participate in research studies, which could skew the results.

Can It Be Prevented?

(19)  The best way to prevent anorexia nervosa is to develop healthy attitudes toward food and exercise at a young age. Parents in particular can encourage and reinforce this type of behavior in a number of ways. Talk to your child about social pressures to be thin, set a good example with your own eating habits, and accept and support your child in all facets of life. Pediatricians can also help identify anorexia nervosa early. They can inquire about eating habits and check for weight fluctuations, for example. Identifying a disorder early can go a long way toward preventing complications and speeding the recovery process.

(20)  However, there is no sure way to prevent this kind of disorder. Outside pressures from peers or cultural influences often have as much of an impact as experiences in the home. Therefore, it is important for parents to keep an eye on their kids, watch how they eat and observe their attitudes toward food and their bodies, to ensure they remain healthy and happy.

(21)  If you are concerned someone you know may have anorexia, there are steps you can take to help him or her. If you see the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member, don’t think it’s all in your head or try to brush the problem under a rug. It is very likely the person is in denial about the disease, and if you don’t approach him or her the situation could become worse. Although it can be difficult to bring up such a delicate subject, talking about it can only help and is the first step toward a positive outcome.

(22)  Even if the person gets angry or defensive, don’t give up. Try to approach him or her at a later time when you’ve both had a chance to calm down and regroup. It could take several attempts before he or she is ready to listen. Also, anorexics often deny their behavior and at times don’t even realize they have a disease. Remember that pushing, lecturing or blaming won’t help. Always make it clear you’re only concerned about the person and have his or her best interests at heart. The best thing you can do for a person with anorexia nervosa is to encourage him or her to seek professional help. Eating disorders are mental illnesses that won’t go away on their own. They must be appropriately diagnosed and properly treated.

(1)  Eating disorders impact 24 million people in the United States and 70 million worldwide. These disorders go beyond normal dieting and involve extreme behavior related to food or exercise, such as starvation and binge eating. In the past few decades, eating disorders have become a major health crisis and can lead to serious complications or even fatalities if left untreated.

(2)  Anorexia nervosa is one of the most well-known eating disorders and is also one of the deadliest. People with this disease, known as anorexics, have an intense fear of gaining weight. They develop a distorted body image which prevents them from correctly evaluating their body size and shape. Anorexics believe they are overweight even when they are normal weight or even grossly underweight. When they look in the mirror, the image they see is not a true reflection of their appearance. As a result, they go to extreme lengths to lose pounds and typically starve themselves, until they become thinner and thinner. Many drop so much weight they develop a malnourished, emaciated appearance. Anorexics are often perfectionists who feel the disorder helps them gain control over their lives, when in fact, just the opposite occurs.

(3)  Most people who develop anorexia nervosa are young and female. About 1 out of 100 girls and women currently suffer from it. In the past, few young men and older adults got this disease. However, those numbers have been increasing. This is particularly true for male athletes or young men in the military, who feel driven to be thin and in shape. Males now make up 25% of all sufferers. Anorexia also used to be more common among European Americans, but that’s changing too. Occurrences are rapidly rising among other ethnic groups.

What Are the Causes?

(4)  There is no specific cause of anorexia nervosa. Like other eating disorders, it is a mental illness that arises from a combination of circumstances. Biological, emotional, and psychological factors work together to bring about this disease. While anorexia involves a preoccupation with food, the underlying issues are about much more than that. People with eating disorders use food and exercise to cope with painful emotions or situations in other areas of their lives.

(5)  Many different factors can contribute to the disorder. Anorexia nervosa often runs in families and current research suggests there could be a genetic link. Feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy are also two big contributors to this disease. A lack of control over one’s life and a history of substance abuse can play a part as well. Other psychological factors include depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Many sufferers are perfectionists who feel the need to control every aspect of their lives.

(6)  Social causes, such as troubled ties with family members or friends, are often to blame as well. They also include pressures from society to look thin and attractive. Success and self worth are often equated with a slender appearance. Other social causes include a history of being teased by peers because of body size.

(7)  There are several risk factors associated with anorexia. They include an early onset of puberty, participation in sports or other activities that place a premium on having a lean body, difficulty dealing with stress, regular dieting, and a history of physical or sexual abuse. Risk factors are not a guarantee that a person will become anorexic. Some young women who attend ballet classes and have problems with stress, for example, are more likely to get anorexia. However, others with the same risk factors cope just fine. Risk factors can play a part, but they don’t always lead to anorexia.

(8)  Researchers are still learning about all the underlying issues that can contribute to anorexia nervosa. For example, they’re studying possible biochemical causes. Some researchers are studying the possible effects of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood and appetite. Serotonin levels have been found to be out of balance in a percentage of individuals with anorexia or other eating disorders.

What Are the Symptoms?

(9)  Most people with anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight when they are actually underweight. They are obsessed with dropping pounds and do everything they can to lose weight. As a result, they often engage in purging behavior, which can include self-induced vomiting, along with a use of laxatives, diuretics, and/or enemas.

(10)  This can lead to a variety of short-term side effects and long-term complications. Some of the short-term symptoms include brittle nails and hair, cold or swollen hands and feet, constipation, dry skin with a yellowish cast, lethargy, and a lack of menstruation. Other side effects can last for a longer period of time and be harder to overcome. Without treatment, anorexics could suffer from malnutrition, heart problems, bone disease and other dangerous complications. Some of these effects continue to take a physical toll long after the disease has been treated and cured. Unfortunately, death is another complication of anorexia and about 20% of the people with this disorder die prematurely. The side effects that most commonly prove fatal include fluid imbalances and cardiac arrest. Suicide is another complication often linked to the disease.

How Is It Diagnosed?

(11)  There are two types of anorexia nervosa physicians consider when making a diagnosis. Patients who suffer from the binging/purging type regularly engage in binging behavior, or eating a lot of food in a short period of time, that is soon followed by purging. Patients who suffer from the restricting type of anorexia do not engage in binging and purging, but instead continually deny their bodies the nutrients they need. To determine if a person has either type, doctors question patients about eating habits and behaviors. They also perform exams, take x-rays and other scans and do blood and urine tests. Most importantly, they consult a medical handbook, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which has a list of criteria for each eating disorder. Even if a patient does not meet all the criteria, a doctor may be concerned enough to begin a course of treatment.

(12)  Another method that can determine if a person has anorexia nervosa is to measure the patient’s BMI, or body mass index. This is the answer to a mathematical formula that factors in weight and height. For example, if you weigh 135 lbs. and stand 63 inches tall your BMI is 24. For an individual who is at a normal weight, BMI typically measures between 18.5 and 24.9. If it drops below that, a person is considered underweight and could have anorexia or other another eating disorder.

How Is It Treated?

(13)  According to the National Eating Disorders Association, only one third of the people with anorexia receive the treatment they need. In general, the most important aspect of curing the disease is stopping starvation and returning the patient to a healthy appearance. Treating anorexia nervosa involves three major steps. The first involves restoring the patient to a healthy weight. To do this, anorexics often must be hospitalized, particularly if their weight has become dangerously low. Since malnutrition and a low body weight can impede a person’s ability to think clearly, anorexics also need to gain weight to move on to the next phases of their treatment.

(14)  During the second step, doctors treat the psychological issues that led to the disorder. This can involve one or more forms of therapy. Cognitive therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how a person thinks and feels. This part of the treatment process helps anorexics change how they see themselves and adjust distorted body images. The purpose of behavioral therapy is to alter the self-destructive behaviors of anorexia, including starvation and purging. During sessions, the patient may list alternatives to those behaviors or ways to avoid them. During interpersonal therapy, the doctor addresses the patient’s relationships with others. He or she may discuss unhealthy or harmful relationships while suggesting coping strategies.

(15)  In the third step, patients learn healthy behaviors related to eating and exercise. This involves another type of treatment known as nutritional therapy. Patients learn about the importance of eating a balanced diet and exercising in a healthy way. The use of medications can also be a part of a patient’s treatment plan and help adjust symptoms related to mood and anxiety. One or more of the following may be prescribed: antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, hormones to restore menstrual cycle, and dietary supplements. However, some studies suggest medications won’t prevent an anorexic from relapsing.

(16)  Unfortunately, there is no entirely effective treatment for anorexia and recovery could last years. Even after gaining weight, anorexics may remain thinner than average. Often, they display healthy behavior toward food for months at a time then suddenly relapse. Involving family members and friends can help with the adjustment and be a big advantage in the recovery process. However, long-term studies suggest that about half of all patients never fully recover.

(17)  Eating disorders don’t only impact the people who suffer from them. They also have a profound impact on friends and family members. For them, it can often feel as though the patient’s relationship with his or her eating disorder takes precedence over all other relationships. Parents and siblings of an anorexic often spend a great deal of time and energy worrying about him or her, or cajoling the person to seek help or change the behavior. As a result, living with someone who has an eating disorder can be a painful process, even during the road to recovery. Therefore, treatment plans often include counseling sessions for family members and close friends. This can go a long way toward repairing damaged relationships.

(18)  For average anorexics, the disease lasts less than two years, which is a shorter time period than other eating disorders. It is unclear, however, what could attribute to this fact. Anecdotal evidence suggests anorexics may be reluctant to participate in research studies, which could skew the results.

Can It Be Prevented?

(19)  The best way to prevent anorexia nervosa is to develop healthy attitudes toward food and exercise at a young age. Parents in particular can encourage and reinforce this type of behavior in a number of ways. Talk to your child about social pressures to be thin, set a good example with your own eating habits, and accept and support your child in all facets of life. Pediatricians can also help identify anorexia nervosa early. They can inquire about eating habits and check for weight fluctuations, for example. Identifying a disorder early can go a long way toward preventing complications and speeding the recovery process.

(20)  However, there is no sure way to prevent this kind of disorder. Outside pressures from peers or cultural influences often have as much of an impact as experiences in the home. Therefore, it is important for parents to keep an eye on their kids, watch how they eat and observe their attitudes toward food and their bodies, to ensure they remain healthy and happy.

(21)  If you are concerned someone you know may have anorexia, there are steps you can take to help him or her. If you see the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member, don’t think it’s all in your head or try to brush the problem under a rug. It is very likely the person is in denial about the disease, and if you don’t approach him or her the situation could become worse. Although it can be difficult to bring up such a delicate subject, talking about it can only help and is the first step toward a positive outcome.

(22)  Even if the person gets angry or defensive, don’t give up. Try to approach him or her at a later time when you’ve both had a chance to calm down and regroup. It could take several attempts before he or she is ready to listen. Also, anorexics often deny their behavior and at times don’t even realize they have a disease. Remember that pushing, lecturing or blaming won’t help. Always make it clear you’re only concerned about the person and have his or her best interests at heart. The best thing you can do for a person with anorexia nervosa is to encourage him or her to seek professional help. Eating disorders are mental illnesses that won’t go away on their own. They must be appropriately diagnosed and properly treated.

(1)  Eating disorders impact 24 million people in the United States and 70 million worldwide. These disorders go beyond normal dieting and involve extreme behavior related to food or exercise, such as starvation and binge eating. In the past few decades, eating disorders have become a major health crisis and can lead to serious complications or even fatalities if left untreated.

(2)  Anorexia nervosa is one of the most well-known eating disorders and is also one of the deadliest. People with this disease, known as anorexics, have an intense fear of gaining weight. They develop a distorted body image which prevents them from correctly evaluating their body size and shape. Anorexics believe they are overweight even when they are normal weight or even grossly underweight. When they look in the mirror, the image they see is not a true reflection of their appearance. As a result, they go to extreme lengths to lose pounds and typically starve themselves, until they become thinner and thinner. Many drop so much weight they develop a malnourished, emaciated appearance. Anorexics are often perfectionists who feel the disorder helps them gain control over their lives, when in fact, just the opposite occurs.

(3)  Most people who develop anorexia nervosa are young and female. About 1 out of 100 girls and women currently suffer from it. In the past, few young men and older adults got this disease. However, those numbers have been increasing. This is particularly true for male athletes or young men in the military, who feel driven to be thin and in shape. Males now make up 25% of all sufferers. Anorexia also used to be more common among European Americans, but that’s changing too. Occurrences are rapidly rising among other ethnic groups.

What Are the Causes?

(4)  There is no specific cause of anorexia nervosa. Like other eating disorders, it is a mental illness that arises from a combination of circumstances. Biological, emotional, and psychological factors work together to bring about this disease. While anorexia involves a preoccupation with food, the underlying issues are about much more than that. People with eating disorders use food and exercise to cope with painful emotions or situations in other areas of their lives.

(5)  Many different factors can contribute to the disorder. Anorexia nervosa often runs in families and current research suggests there could be a genetic link. Feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy are also two big contributors to this disease. A lack of control over one’s life and a history of substance abuse can play a part as well. Other psychological factors include depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Many sufferers are perfectionists who feel the need to control every aspect of their lives.

(6)  Social causes, such as troubled ties with family members or friends, are often to blame as well. They also include pressures from society to look thin and attractive. Success and self worth are often equated with a slender appearance. Other social causes include a history of being teased by peers because of body size.

(7)  There are several risk factors associated with anorexia. They include an early onset of puberty, participation in sports or other activities that place a premium on having a lean body, difficulty dealing with stress, regular dieting, and a history of physical or sexual abuse. Risk factors are not a guarantee that a person will become anorexic. Some young women who attend ballet classes and have problems with stress, for example, are more likely to get anorexia. However, others with the same risk factors cope just fine. Risk factors can play a part, but they don’t always lead to anorexia.

(8)  Researchers are still learning about all the underlying issues that can contribute to anorexia nervosa. For example, they’re studying possible biochemical causes. Some researchers are studying the possible effects of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood and appetite. Serotonin levels have been found to be out of balance in a percentage of individuals with anorexia or other eating disorders.

What Are the Symptoms?

(9)  Most people with anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight when they are actually underweight. They are obsessed with dropping pounds and do everything they can to lose weight. As a result, they often engage in purging behavior, which can include self-induced vomiting, along with a use of laxatives, diuretics, and/or enemas.

(10)  This can lead to a variety of short-term side effects and long-term complications. Some of the short-term symptoms include brittle nails and hair, cold or swollen hands and feet, constipation, dry skin with a yellowish cast, lethargy, and a lack of menstruation. Other side effects can last for a longer period of time and be harder to overcome. Without treatment, anorexics could suffer from malnutrition, heart problems, bone disease and other dangerous complications. Some of these effects continue to take a physical toll long after the disease has been treated and cured. Unfortunately, death is another complication of anorexia and about 20% of the people with this disorder die prematurely. The side effects that most commonly prove fatal include fluid imbalances and cardiac arrest. Suicide is another complication often linked to the disease.

How Is It Diagnosed?

(11)  There are two types of anorexia nervosa physicians consider when making a diagnosis. Patients who suffer from the binging/purging type regularly engage in binging behavior, or eating a lot of food in a short period of time, that is soon followed by purging. Patients who suffer from the restricting type of anorexia do not engage in binging and purging, but instead continually deny their bodies the nutrients they need. To determine if a person has either type, doctors question patients about eating habits and behaviors. They also perform exams, take x-rays and other scans and do blood and urine tests. Most importantly, they consult a medical handbook, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which has a list of criteria for each eating disorder. Even if a patient does not meet all the criteria, a doctor may be concerned enough to begin a course of treatment.

(12)  Another method that can determine if a person has anorexia nervosa is to measure the patient’s BMI, or body mass index. This is the answer to a mathematical formula that factors in weight and height. For example, if you weigh 135 lbs. and stand 63 inches tall your BMI is 24. For an individual who is at a normal weight, BMI typically measures between 18.5 and 24.9. If it drops below that, a person is considered underweight and could have anorexia or other another eating disorder.

How Is It Treated?

(13)  According to the National Eating Disorders Association, only one third of the people with anorexia receive the treatment they need. In general, the most important aspect of curing the disease is stopping starvation and returning the patient to a healthy appearance. Treating anorexia nervosa involves three major steps. The first involves restoring the patient to a healthy weight. To do this, anorexics often must be hospitalized, particularly if their weight has become dangerously low. Since malnutrition and a low body weight can impede a person’s ability to think clearly, anorexics also need to gain weight to move on to the next phases of their treatment.

(14)  During the second step, doctors treat the psychological issues that led to the disorder. This can involve one or more forms of therapy. Cognitive therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how a person thinks and feels. This part of the treatment process helps anorexics change how they see themselves and adjust distorted body images. The purpose of behavioral therapy is to alter the self-destructive behaviors of anorexia, including starvation and purging. During sessions, the patient may list alternatives to those behaviors or ways to avoid them. During interpersonal therapy, the doctor addresses the patient’s relationships with others. He or she may discuss unhealthy or harmful relationships while suggesting coping strategies.

(15)  In the third step, patients learn healthy behaviors related to eating and exercise. This involves another type of treatment known as nutritional therapy. Patients learn about the importance of eating a balanced diet and exercising in a healthy way. The use of medications can also be a part of a patient’s treatment plan and help adjust symptoms related to mood and anxiety. One or more of the following may be prescribed: antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, hormones to restore menstrual cycle, and dietary supplements. However, some studies suggest medications won’t prevent an anorexic from relapsing.

(16)  Unfortunately, there is no entirely effective treatment for anorexia and recovery could last years. Even after gaining weight, anorexics may remain thinner than average. Often, they display healthy behavior toward food for months at a time then suddenly relapse. Involving family members and friends can help with the adjustment and be a big advantage in the recovery process. However, long-term studies suggest that about half of all patients never fully recover.

(17)  Eating disorders don’t only impact the people who suffer from them. They also have a profound impact on friends and family members. For them, it can often feel as though the patient’s relationship with his or her eating disorder takes precedence over all other relationships. Parents and siblings of an anorexic often spend a great deal of time and energy worrying about him or her, or cajoling the person to seek help or change the behavior. As a result, living with someone who has an eating disorder can be a painful process, even during the road to recovery. Therefore, treatment plans often include counseling sessions for family members and close friends. This can go a long way toward repairing damaged relationships.

(18)  For average anorexics, the disease lasts less than two years, which is a shorter time period than other eating disorders. It is unclear, however, what could attribute to this fact. Anecdotal evidence suggests anorexics may be reluctant to participate in research studies, which could skew the results.

Can It Be Prevented?

(19)  The best way to prevent anorexia nervosa is to develop healthy attitudes toward food and exercise at a young age. Parents in particular can encourage and reinforce this type of behavior in a number of ways. Talk to your child about social pressures to be thin, set a good example with your own eating habits, and accept and support your child in all facets of life. Pediatricians can also help identify anorexia nervosa early. They can inquire about eating habits and check for weight fluctuations, for example. Identifying a disorder early can go a long way toward preventing complications and speeding the recovery process.

(20)  However, there is no sure way to prevent this kind of disorder. Outside pressures from peers or cultural influences often have as much of an impact as experiences in the home. Therefore, it is important for parents to keep an eye on their kids, watch how they eat and observe their attitudes toward food and their bodies, to ensure they remain healthy and happy.

(21)  If you are concerned someone you know may have anorexia, there are steps you can take to help him or her. If you see the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member, don’t think it’s all in your head or try to brush the problem under a rug. It is very likely the person is in denial about the disease, and if you don’t approach him or her the situation could become worse. Although it can be difficult to bring up such a delicate subject, talking about it can only help and is the first step toward a positive outcome.

(22)  Even if the person gets angry or defensive, don’t give up. Try to approach him or her at a later time when you’ve both had a chance to calm down and regroup. It could take several attempts before he or she is ready to listen. Also, anorexics often deny their behavior and at times don’t even realize they have a disease. Remember that pushing, lecturing or blaming won’t help. Always make it clear you’re only concerned about the person and have his or her best interests at heart. The best thing you can do for a person with anorexia nervosa is to encourage him or her to seek professional help. Eating disorders are mental illnesses that won’t go away on their own. They must be appropriately diagnosed and properly treated.