Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition that primarily affects the eating habits and body image of individuals. It involves an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body size, leading to severe restriction of food intake. This disorder mainly impacts the nutritional and metabolic systems, causing significant weight loss and malnutrition. People with this condition often experience extreme thinness, fatigue, and may develop complications affecting the heart, bones, and other organs. The condition can be life-threatening if not recognized and managed properly.

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder characterized by self-induced starvation and an intense fear of weight gain despite being underweight. It involves a distorted body image and persistent restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight relative to age, sex, and developmental trajectory. The core pathology includes psychological factors such as perfectionism and anxiety, combined with neurobiological and genetic influences. This disorder results in severe malnutrition, endocrine abnormalities like hypothalamic amenorrhea, and increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and osteoporosis. It predominantly affects adolescent females but can occur in any demographic. Early recognition is critical due to its high morbidity and mortality.