Anorexia

Anorexia, or anorexia nervosa to give the condition its full name, is a serious eating disorder. People with anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight, see their body in a distorted way and severely limit what they eat.
One of the most difficult anorexia symptoms is that even when sufferers are underweight, they may still believe they are overweight. This can lead to a harmful cycle as the more they fear weight gain, the more they restrict food, worsening the problem. Some people may also over-exercise to burn off calories or control their weight, which poses further health problems.
While anorexia is often thought of as a condition that mostly affects women, men can struggle with it, too. Sadly, however, stigma and lack of awareness mean many men don’t get the help they need, leaving their condition unrecognised or untreated.

Anorexia doesn’t look the same for everyone. It can show up in different ways but is usually grouped into three main types:

1. Restrictive anorexia

This is the most well-known type of anorexia. It happens when someone eats very little, skips meals or avoids certain foods altogether to lose weight or stay thin. They may count every calorie or feel anxious about eating anything at all.

2. Binge/Purge anorexia

With this type, someone might eat a lot of food in one go (bingeing) and then try to get rid of the calories by vomiting, taking laxatives or exercising too much (purging). It is similar to bulimia, except that people with binge/purge anorexia are usually underweight or have been significantly underweight at some point. In contrast, people with bulimia may be within a normal weight range or even above. Another key difference is that those with binge/purge anorexia often restrict their food intake even outside of bingeing episodes, driven by a strong fear of gaining weight.

3. Atypical anorexia

This type is similar to restrictive anorexia, but the person doesn’t look underweight. Even so, they still have the same fears about gaining weight and use harmful habits like skipping meals or over-exercising to stay in control. Because they don’t look underweight, atypical anorexia can be harder to notice but is just as serious.

Doctors and specialists look at a person’s anorexia symptoms and behaviours to make an accurate anorexia diagnosis. This helps make sure the right anorexia treatment is provided so they get the targeted help and support they need.

Anorexia is a complicated condition that often develops because of a mix of things going on in your body, mind and environment.

Physical and genetic causes

Genetics and biology can play a big role in the risks of anorexia. If someone in your family has had an eating disorder or even suffers from a mental health condition like anxiety or depression, your risk of anorexia could be higher. Your unique brain chemistry can also be a factor if your mood- and appetite-controlling chemicals are out of balance.

Mental health causes

Emotional and psychological factors play a big role, too. People who are hard on themselves, struggle with confidence or feel pressure to achieve may use food and weight control to cope with the burden. For some, restricting your food or weight can feel like the only way to feel in control or worthy of attention.

The world around you

Social and life experiences can also contribute. Unrealistic beauty standards in the media and on social media often create harmful comparisons. Past experiences like trauma, bullying or sudden changes in life can leave someone searching for control, and for some, that turns into controlling their food and body.

Anorexia is a serious condition that can cause extensive harm, from your physical health to your emotional well-being. Its impact can be devastating if left untreated, with some of the most serious consequences, including:

Physical health risks

When your body isn’t getting enough food, it starts to run on empty, using up muscle and fat to keep going. This leads to extreme weight loss, constant fatigue and general weakness that makes everyday life a huge struggle.

Your bones can also become fragile, becoming brittle and more likely to fracture, with even a simple fall leading to a serious injury. Anorexia can also slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, putting you at risk of life-threatening complications.

Without proper nutrition, your immune system weakens, making it easier to get sick. You might notice your hair thinning, your skin becoming dry, or your teeth suffering because your body isn’t getting the fuel it needs to stay healthy. Eventually, if addiction treatment isn’t sought, you could even die from malnutrition.

Mental and emotional struggles

Anorexia takes over your thoughts, filling your mind with constant worries about food, weight and how you look. This obsession can leave you emotionally drained and often isolates you from friends and family, making you feel like nobody understands what you’re going through.

Anorexia thrives when it is able to get you alone and the pressure to maintain control without support can lead to feelings of hopelessness, low self-worth and, in some cases, self-harm or thoughts of suicide.

Addiction risks

Anorexia and addiction are closely linked as alcohol, drugs or other harmful habits can become coping mechanisms. This creates a dangerous double burden where you’re battling anorexia and addiction at the same time, making recovery even harder.

Long-term effects

Even after starting to anorexia treatment begins, anorexia can leave a lasting mark. Infertility, ongoing heart problems and constant tiredness are just a few of the challenges you might face for months or even years. However, the longer you wait to start anorexia treatment, the harder it is to undo this damage.

If you’re struggling with anorexia, getting the right help can make all the difference. Banbury Lodge’s rehab treatment is not just about eating more; it is about understanding and tackling the emotional and mental struggles that keep your anorexia going.

At Banbury Lodge, you will get an anorexia treatment that is designed just for you. This includes meal plans to help your body get the nourishment it needs and therapy sessions to work through the thoughts and feelings behind your anorexia. The goal is to help you heal in every way – physically, emotionally and mentally.

Banbury Lodge also offers a year of free aftercare, including outpatient group therapy sessions each week for a year and an invitation to join UKAT’s Alumni Network. These provide a close community and an invaluable opportunity to share your progress and stay motivated.

Anorexia thrives on silence and isolation, but recovery begins when you reach out. Whether you’re struggling yourself or worried about someone you care about, Liberty House and Banbury Lodge can help. We understand that anorexia isn’t just about food; it’s about the deeper battles you face every day. Contact us today, and we will help you win those battles and form a healthier relationship with food and yourself.