Eating Disorders

About Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder usually characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight. Anorexia is an unhealthy way to cope with emotional problems, self-esteem, perfectionism and a need for control. With anorexia, a person may have a normal appetite and feel hungry — at least early in the illness — but deny that hunger.

People with anorexia are obsessed with food, their weight and their body shape. They eat very little and may exercise excessively. Some people may make themselves vomit or use laxatives or diuretics to lose weight. As the disorder progresses, they cannot maintain a normal body weight and often become extremely thin. Some people may have symptoms of an eating disorder but may not be extremely underweight.

Anorexia is a chronic condition and many patients never recover completely, even after extensive treatment. An estimated 6 percent to 20 percent of those who have anorexia die of the disease. Anorexia affects an estimated 1.2 million Americans. The average age of onset is 17 years, but it can affect other ages as well.

Mayo Clinic has an extensive history of treating eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, through outpatient and inpatient programs. Learn more about anorexia nervosa treatment at Mayo Clinic.

Read more about anorexia at MayoClinic.com.