Diet and Anorexia Nervosa

People with anorexia may also suffer from low self esteem and have a great need to control their emotions and environment.

This eating disorder can be a specific reaction to inner problems like feeling sad, lonely, unhappy, uncertain or anxious. Anorexia is not a healthy way to handle such emotions, and it can lead to serious health issues. Nonetheless, it would appear that if life cannot be controlled then at least what goes into the body can. Many anorexics also have great sensitivity about being seen as fat.

In some cases, the need for self esteem and acceptance is somehow met by being considered thin. Food control is seen to be a way of exercising control over thoughts and emotions.

Some anorexics consider that they should not enjoy anything, including food. Some potential indicators of an individual being an anorexic could include: calorie and grams of fat calculation, excessive exercise, starving and restricting food intake, making oneself vomit, using diet pills, diuretics to try and control weight and a constant concern with body image.

Anorexia Symptoms

Physical Symptoms Behavioural Symptoms Psychological Symptoms
  • Immense weight loss
  • Periods come to a halt
  • Hormonal changes experienced by boys and men
  • Sleeplessness
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal pains
  • Constipation
  • Poor blood circulation & getting cold
  • Need to be left by oneself
  • Wearing extra baggy clothes
  • Excessive exercise

  • Not telling truth about eating meals
  • Not admitting that there could be a problem
  • Finding it difficult to concentrate
  • Need to be in control
  • Intense fear of putting on weight
  • Depression
  • Feeling very emotional
  • Obsessiveness with regard to dieting
  • Mood swings
  • Non-realistic perception of one’s weight and size