Anorexia nervosa is commonly known as anorexia and is a psychiatric diagnosis which describes it as an eating disorder accompanied by low body weight and body image deformation with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Anorexia is a condition that arises due to out of control dieting. An individual with this disorder initially begins dieting to lose weight which gradually changes into crash dieting by means of voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, and excessive exercising. The motivation to lose weight is usually secondary to concerns about maintaining the lost weight and the individual continues this endless cycle of restrictive eating to feel a sense of control over the body. This cycle changes into an obsession and is similar to any other type of addiction.

Who is at the risk of anorexia nervosa?

This disorder affects almost 95 per cent females, primarily adolescent girls. Males too, can get affected by this disorder. Anorexia can also develop in young children and adults. In the United States alone, it is estimated that about one out of every 100 adolescent girls is affected by anorexia nervosa. As per a survey conducted by the United States National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), almost 0.5% to 3.7% of women are affected by this disorder at some point of time in their life.

Causes of Anorexia nervosa:

Anorexia is a complex condition that affects the neurological, psychological as well as sociological aspects of an individual.

There is no established cause for this disorder till date. However, possible causes have been identified. Demands from peers, society and families is one of the underlying causes of this disorder. An individual suffering from anorexia wishes to remain thin in order to look attractive. Low self –esteem and confidence on account of being overweight is another cause.

Diagnosis:

Anorexia is a complicated disorder to diagnose. However four basic criteria have been established for diagnosing it:

The individual’s refusal to maintain body weight above a minimally normal weight according to his/her age and height.

A strong fear of gaining weight even though the individual is underweight.

Lack of acknowledgement of weight loss and low-self esteem.

If menstrual periods only occur after a hormone is induced and more than three consecutive periods have been missed.