Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors

Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms

Physical symptoms:

• Significant weight loss or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight
• Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or fainting
• Feeling cold frequently, especially in the hands and feet
• Changes in menstrual cycles or loss of periods
• Low heart rate or low blood pressure
• Dry skin, hair thinning, or hair loss
• Constipation, bloating, or digestive problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep problems
• Increased risk of bone loss and fractures

Mental and emotional symptoms:

• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming “fat”
• Distorted perception of body size or shape
• Preoccupation with calories, food, weight, or dieting
• Feeling that self-worth depends on weight, appearance, or eating control
• Anxiety or distress around eating
• Perfectionism or strong need for control
• Irritability, mood changes, or depression
• Difficulty recognizing the seriousness of low weight or restrictive eating
• Excessive guilt or shame after eating

Behavioral symptoms:

• Restricting food intake or skipping meals
• Avoiding certain foods or entire food groups
• Following rigid food rules or rituals
• Counting calories or repeatedly checking nutritional information
• Excessive exercise despite fatigue or health concerns
• Frequent weighing or body checking
• Wearing loose clothing to hide weight loss
• Avoiding social situations involving food
• Cutting food into small pieces, eating slowly, or other eating rituals
• Denying hunger or minimizing concerns about eating habits
• Using behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as fasting or purging in some cases
• Seeking reassurance about body size or appearance frequently