Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that can cause severe weight loss. A person with anorexia is concerned about calorie intake and weight. People with anorexia nervosa follow an extremely low-calorie diet and have an excessive fear of gaining weight. They often feel better about themselves when they lose weight.
Anorexia is an eating disorder and a serious mental condition. The exact causes of anorexia nervosa are unknown. However, the disease is sometimes inherited; young women with a father or brother with an eating disorder are more likely to develop one on their own. It can be difficult to notice signs and symptoms because what is considered a low body weight is different for everyone, and some people may not seem extremely thin.
A person can be considered anorexic when he restricts his food intake to such an extent that it leads to a significantly low body weight accompanied by an intense fear of gaining weight and excessive concern for weight or body shape. When people experience anorexia with at least one co-occurring mental health disorder, they are considered to have a dual diagnosis.
