Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder and, more importantly, a psychological disorder.
The cause of anorexia has not been definitely established, but self-esteem and self-image issues, family dynamics, societal pressures, and even genetic factors may each play a role.
Anorexia affects females far more often than males and is most common in adolescent females.
The disorder affects about 1% of adolescent girls in the U.S.
People with anorexia tend to show compulsive behaviors and may become obsessed with food.
The extreme dieting and weight loss can lead to a potentially fatal degree of malnutrition.
Other possible consequences of anorexia include heart-rhythm disturbances, digestive abnormalities, anemia, and hormonal and electrolyte imbalances.
The treatment of anorexia must focus on more than just weight gain.
The prognosis of anorexia is variable, with some people making a full recovery. Others experience a fluctuating pattern of weight gain followed by a relapse, or a progressively deteriorating course over many years.
As with many other addictions, it takes a day-to-day effort to control the urge to relapse, and treatment may be needed on a long-term basis.
