What is Anorexia

Anorexia usually starts in the teen years. It's much more common in females than males. Early treatment can be very effective. But if not treated early, anorexia can become a lifelong problem. 

Anorexia nervosa  is a type of eating disorder. People who have anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight. They severely limit the amount of food they eat and can become dangerously thin. Anorexia affects both the body and the mind. It may start as dieting, but it gets out of control. You think about food, dieting, and weight all the time. 

You have a distorted body image. Other people say you are too thin, but when you look in the mirror, you see a fat person.

Untreated anorexia can lead to starvation and serious health problems, such as bone thinning (osteoporosis), kidneydamage, and heart problems. Some people die from these problems.

If you or someone you know has anorexia, get help right away. The longer this problem goes on, the harder it is to overcome. With treatment, a person with anorexia can feel better and stay at a healthy weight.

What causes anorexia?

Eating disorders are complex, and experts don't really know what causes them. But they may be due to a mix of family history, social factors, and personality traits. You may be more likely to have anorexia if:

Other people in your family have an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimianervosa. You have a job or do a sport that stresses body size, such as ballet, modeling, or gymnastics. You are the type of person who tries to be perfect all the time, never feels good enough, or worries a lot. You are dealing with stressful life events, such as divorce, moving to a new town or school, or losing a loved one.