Anorexia Nervosa

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia Nervosa - often referred to as anorexia - is an eating disorder characterized by unhealthy weight loss, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted self-body image. Someone with anorexia places a high value on controlling their weight and physical shape, and will typically use extreme methods such as restricting the number of calories they eat and the types of food they eat, and in some cases will exercise excessively and compulsively or purge food via vomiting or laxatives. No matter how much weight is lost, the person will continue to fear weight gain.

Someone with anorexia equates thinness and body image with self-worth, and the disorder is often more of an extremely unhealthy and life-threatening way to try and cope with emotional problems than it is about food itself.

Anorexia can take over someone's life and is not something you can overcome by simply "eating more." People with anorexia are at a highly increased risk of dying from medical complications associated with starvation, reaching out for help is so important. With proper treatment you can gain a better sense of who you are, return to healthier habits, and reverse some of anorexia's serious complications.

Tips to cope with anorexia nervosa:

• Be intentional about healthy eating habits; it can help to have established meal-times and pre-planned meals.

• Write positive affirmations to yourself; this can help to avoid unhealthy or obsessive negative self-talk and thoughts.

• Keep a journal; recording what may trigger certain thoughts and behaviors can help you recognize and overcome them, and can allow you to see your progress over time.

• Don't be afraid to share what you are going through with others; they can offer support and help promote positive body image

• Reach out to a medical professional for treatment options.