October 18, 2023

Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms, Causes, and Healing

What is “Anorexia Nervosa?” Eating disorders are very complex and affect women more than men. They are often developed during adolescence or young adulthood, but they can occur at any age.

There can be moments in life when we feel confused, alone, or under too much pressure and we can develop unhealthy ways of thinking and poor choices for our health. Perfectionism, low self-esteem, and anxiety can contribute to Anorexia Nervosa. If you want to know more about it, keep reading this article.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which the person has an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to extreme dietary restrictions and very strict eating habits. Women with anorexia nervosa often view themselves as overweight, even if they are not.

Caring for our bodies, our nutrition, and wanting to look good is a very positive thing, but when we associate extreme thinness with happiness and try to achieve it through unhealthy habits, it can be very concerning.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa can include a range of symptoms, which can be physical, behavioral, and emotional, but is not necessary for all the common symptoms to be present to diagnose this disorder.

The diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa are typically based on a set of clinical features that are assessed by a mental health professional and include:

Restriction of food intake, which leads to significantly low weight for age, height, and sex.

Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even if already underweight.

Distorted body image, in which the person perceives their body as larger than it is.

However, in addition to these core criteria, often it assesses other associated symptoms and behaviors, such as the following:

Physical Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Significant Weight Loss

Women with anorexia often experience dramatic weight loss, leading to being significantly underweight

for their age and height.

Fatigue and Weakness

Malnutrition can result in extreme fatigue and physical weakness.

Hair and Nail Problems

Brittle hair and nails are common, as the body’s resources are redirected away from non-essential functions.

Cold Intolerance

Anorexia can cause a lower body temperature, leading to an increased sensitivity to cold.

Cardiovascular Issues

Irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, and heart problems can occur.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Constipation, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal issues may develop.

Hormonal Disturbances

Irregular or absent menstrual periods are common in females, in extreme cases.

Behavioral Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Food Restriction

Women who suffer from this disorder, severely limit their food intake, often avoiding entire food groups.

Excessive Exercise

Over-exercising or engaging in compulsive physical activity is common.

Particular Eating Behaviors

Some women can exhibit some particular behaviors like rituals surrounding mealtime, such as

cutting food into tiny pieces.

Obsession with Food

The person is constantly thinking about food, calories, and meal planning, to the point of obsession.

Emotional Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Extreme Fear of Gaining Weight

A pervasive fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even if already underweight.

Distorted Body Image

Seeing oneself as overweight despite being underweight.

Depression

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem are common.

Anxiety

Often related to food, eating, or weight, anxiety is a frequent symptom.

Social Withdrawal

Anorexia can lead to social withdrawal, as the person may avoid social situations involving food

or gatherings where they feel scrutinized.

Irritability

Mood swings and irritability are often observed.

Causes of Anorexia Nervosa

The causes of anorexia nervosa are complex and can involve a combination of factors, like perfectionism, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Societal pressures, particularly those related to beauty standards and thinness, can contribute to the development of anorexia.

If you grow up in a family environment characterized by high expectations, overprotection, or criticism, it can aid the disorder.

Traumas from the past, or traumatic events, such as physical or sexual abuse, can also contribute, since the disorder may serve as a coping mechanism for dealing with these traumas.

Healing may involve a process of Inner Work to attain Self-Acceptance and Self-love. But it’s worth it.

Learn more about this HERE: WHAT DOES INNER WORK MEAN?

life-coaching-for-women-better-life-anorexia-nervosa-symptoms-causes-and-healing-2

Anorexia nervosa can have severe health consequences, including health imbalances, malnutrition, cardiac problems, and damage to various organ systems. It can be life-threatening.

Remember that being thin won’t make you happier, and mistreating your body can harm your life.

What will make your life fulfilling is improving and growing as a person, learning new things, having fun, expanding, and seeking what makes you happy.

Learn more about this HERE: THE PATH OF YOUR LIFE PURPOSE.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to become aware and seek help and support to understand the causes and recover treatment.

To work on new habits and strategies and change issues related to body image, self-esteem, and personal growth, a coach can be a valuable source of support and guidance. They will help you find new mechanisms to regulate stress and emotions, like engaging in hobbies, exercise, relaxation techniques, or creative outlets.

We are here to help! To get guidance and support in the process of healing, Book a Free Life Coaching Session Now with our certified life coaches! They will work with you and guide you in the right direction.