Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms

Quick Glance: Common Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms

Common symptoms of anorexia nervosa may include:

• Significant weight loss or difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight

• Restricting food intake or avoiding certain food groups

• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming overweight

• Constant concern about body shape or appearance

• Skipping meals or developing strict eating routines

• Feeling tired, weak, or low on energy

• Changes in mood, such as increased anxiety or irritability

• Excessive exercise despite feeling tired or unwell

Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some individuals may show noticeable physical changes, while others may mainly experience changes in thoughts, emotions, and eating behaviours.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa That Should Not Be Ignored

Certain symptoms may indicate that anorexia nervosa is affecting physical health and requires medical evaluation. The following signs of anorexia nervosa should not be ignored, especially if they continue or worsen:

Why Do Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms Occur?

Anorexia nervosa symptoms occur because prolonged calorie and nutrient deprivation forces the body into survival mode. In response, the brain, metabolism, and endocrine system slow down many normal body functions to conserve energy. Hormones regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland may become imbalanced, leading to menstrual changes, fatigue, and reduced bone health. At the same time, nutritional deficiencies and changes in neurotransmitters that regulate mood and appetite can contribute to anxiety around food, distorted body image, weakness, and feeling cold.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa That Require Immediate Medical Attention

Some symptoms of anorexia nervosa may become serious and require urgent medical care. Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• Fainting or loss of consciousness due to extremely low blood pressure or dehydration

• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat that may indicate heart-related complications

• Severe weakness or inability to perform normal activities

• Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty concentrating

• Signs of severe dehydration, such as very little urine output, dizziness, or extreme thirst

• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep food or fluids down

• Severe abdominal pain or swelling

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which require urgent mental health support

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa Based on Type

Anorexia nervosa is clinically recognised mainly in two types based on eating behaviours and methods used to control weight. The symptoms may overlap, but some features differ between the two presentations, as given in the table below:

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa in Men

Although anorexia nervosa is often associated with women, it can also affect men. Symptoms in men are generally similar but may sometimes appear differently due to concerns related to body shape, muscle mass, or athletic performance.

Common symptoms in men for anorexia nervosa may include:

• Restricting food intake or following extremely strict diets

• Excessive exercise or compulsive training

• Intense fear of gaining body fat

• Preoccupation with body size, weight, or muscular appearance

• Loss of strength and reduced energy levels

• Low testosterone levels, which may affect sexual health

• Reduced interest in sexual activity

• Mood changes, anxiety, or increased irritability

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa in Women

Women with anorexia nervosa may experience symptoms affecting eating behaviour, physical health, and reproductive hormones.

Common symptoms of anorexia nervosa in women include:

• Restrictive eating patterns or avoiding meals

• Intense fear of gaining weight despite being underweight

• Distorted perception of body shape or weight

• Missed or irregular menstrual periods

• Low energy levels and persistent tiredness

• Feeling cold more often than usual

• Hair thinning or dry skin

• Difficulty concentrating or mood changes

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa in Children

Children with anorexia nervosa may show poor weight gain or weight loss, refusal to eat, increased anxiety around meals, irritability, tiredness, delayed growth, and withdrawal from social activities.

Can You Have Anorexia Nervosa Without Symptoms?

Anorexia nervosa symptoms are not always physically obvious in their early stages. Some individuals may continue to appear healthy or maintain a weight that does not immediately raise concern, even as they experience significant psychological distress related to food, weight, or body image.

These less noticeable signs often present as increasing food rules, avoidance of specific foods, constant thoughts about calories, dieting or weight, post-meal anxiety, compulsive exercise, frequent body checking, and changes in mood or social engagement.

When Can Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms Become Life-Threatening?

Severe anorexia nervosa can affect vital organs and may lead to serious medical complications. Urgent medical attention may be needed in situations such as:

How are Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms Diagnosed?

There is no single test that confirms anorexia nervosa. Doctors usually combine a clinical evaluation with physical examinations and investigations to understand how symptoms affect the body. Common diagnostic tests and assessments for anorexia nervosa include:

Healthcare professionals may include a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, dietitian, or other specialists, depending on the symptoms and medical needs.