Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and self-imposed food restrictions that lead to significantly low body weight. It’s not just about food—it’s a complex mental health condition that often involves underlying emotional struggles and perfectionistic thinking.

Common Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

• Extreme restriction of food intake

• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming "fat"

• Distorted perception of body weight, shape, or size

• Obsession with dieting, calories, and food rituals

• Excessive exercise or other attempts to control weight

• Preoccupation with food, recipes, or cooking

• Withdrawal from friends and social activities

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Noticeable weight loss

• Wearing baggy clothes to hide body size

• Skipping meals or being too busy to eat

• Anxiety around mealtimes or eating in front of others

• Mood changes such as irritability, depression, or low self-esteem

• Disruption in menstrual cycle or delayed puberty

Eating disorders disrupt every area of your life. Recovery from an eating disorder is not only possible—it is absolutely worth it. While the journey may feel overwhelming at times, healing begins with the first step toward support. With compassionate, specialized treatment, individuals can rediscover trust in their bodies, rebuild a healthy relationship with food, and reconnect with the parts of themselves that have been overshadowed by the disorder. No matter how long you’ve been struggling, you are not alone, and you are not beyond help.