Anorexia is characterized by obsessive weight loss and starvation. There are two types of anorexia nervosa: restricting type and purging type. In restricting type anorexia, the individual works to control weight gain by restricting calorie and food intake. This may be done by excessive dieting and/or exercising. In purging type anorexia, the affected individual controls weight by eliminating calorie intake. Methods of purging may be vomiting or using laxatives.
Change in Appearance
An individual with anorexia nervosa may have extreme and rapid weight loss. This is usually a result of the overuse of stimulants such as laxatives or extreme restriction of food intake. Because the individual is not receiving adequate nutrition, she may have pale skin and take on a look of malnourishment. The skin may lose elasticity; hair and nails may become brittle as well. Many suffering from anorexia have other conditions secondary to the anorexia such as anemia. Women with anorexia may have irregular menstrual cycles or complete absence of menstruation. Individuals may also become obsessed with body image; this may manifest in becoming hypercritical of their appearance.
Change in Behavior
A sudden interest in exercise or, more importantly, an abnormal increase of time spent exercising may signal a problem with anorexia. Excessive dieting or radical diets also are a sign of anorexia. According to Healthguide, affected individuals often become obsessed with all aspects of food; they become fixated on caloric value and fat content and sometimes begin to ritualize their food intake. They may eat alone or become secretive with their eating habits. In some cases, those with anorexia become easily agitated, aggressive and defensive.
Other Signs
If an individual is beginning to show interest in dietary supplements, appetite suppressors or laxative agents and is using them beyond the recommended dosage guideline, she may be suffering from anorexia nervosa. Another sign associated with anorexia is depression. Because the individual is so preoccupied with her weight, and controlling her weight, she may become withdrawn and develop feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Some individuals show a flat affect. According to the Mayo Clinic, though the ultimate goal of someone with anorexia is to lose weight and become thin, the person may attempt to hide her weight loss from others by buying and wearing baggy clothes.
