Physical Signs of Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is a serious type of eating disorder that affects both the mind and the body. Sufferers of anorexia find themselves dieting excessively to lose weight, even when they are currently at a safe weight. The anorexic may also suffer from body dysmorphic disorder where she psychologically sees herself as being overweight and fat. According to the Mayo Clinic, 95 percent of those affected by the disease are females. There are physical signs of anorexia that are apparent and should not be ignored.

Sudden Weight Loss

One physical sign of anorexia is sudden weight loss. Noticing that someone is not eating or avoiding food could be an initial indication she may be suffering from the disease. Many people with anorexia may also try to hide their weight loss with wearing baggy or over-sized clothes. If the person shows signs of protruding bones in the chest, neck and legs, this could be an indication of being severely underweight.

Food Obsession

Many people suffering from anorexia show physical signs of food obsession. This means they are extremely aware of what they put into their bodies. A healthy, normal meal with a sandwich, fruit and a salad may be too much for the anorexic. She may physically choose not to consume the food or nibble at the food and not finish her plate. In some cases, anorexics may show signs of bulimia as well. This is where, when they are being watched, observed or forced to eat, they may binge eat or eat the food and then purge up its contents immediately afterward.

Poor Body Image

Another physical sign of anorexia may include the anorexic portraying a poor body image. This can be a physical sign that others can see such as sunken cheek bones, hair loss, pale complexion and a skeleton-like figure. Lethargy and tiredness can also be a physical indication of anorexia when combined with weight loss. The anorexic may also have a poor body image of her and complain about how fat she is or how she is unsatisfied with her appearance.

Exercise Addiction

Avoiding food intake and looking particularly pale while exercising non-stop may also be a sign of anorexia. Many anorexics are obsessed with exercise and working out---so much so that it can cause physical damage to the body. Someone who visits the gym more than once a day and is already underweight could be suffering from an eating disorder such as anorexia.

Syncope

Syncope means passing out or losing oxygen to the brain. It can be very serious, especially in someone who is suffering from anorexia. The physical sign would be the anorexic falling over, fainting or passing out for no apparent reason. In serious cases of anorexia, syncope could be an indication of vital organs, such as the heart, shutting down. In severe situations, if the body has been significantly deprived of oxygen and nutrients, stroke or heart attack could occur.