What is anorexia? What eating disorder experts need you to know

USA Today

24-02-2025

Tens of millions of adults and teens in the U.S. are affected by a wide range of mental health disorders. The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health notes that some of the most common ones include anxiety disorders, depression, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
The agency also includes eating disorders as being among the most prevalent mental health disorders, but notes that they are more common among teens than they are among adults. While there are many forms of disordered eating, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders specifies eight distinct eating disorders. These include anorexia nervosa as the most common one, followed by bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, pica, rumination, and two categories that include a wider range of less common or less studied disordered eating behaviors.
Here's what anorexia nervosa is, why it's so concerning and how people who struggle with the disorder can get help.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa, usually called anorexia, is a serious mental disorder that impacts all systems of the body. Claire Aarnio-Peterson, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, explains that the most common symptoms and signs of the disorder include:
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Restriction of food intake that leads to a significantly low weight for one's age, sex, developmental trajectory or physical health.
Intense fear of gaining weight or persistent behaviors that get in the way of weight gain, even if the person is already at a dangerously low weight.
Negative body image and obsession over body weight, shape or image.
A lack of recognition of the seriousness of one's current low body weight or degree of malnourishment.
There are a host of adverse outcomes associated with the disorder as "people with anorexia can suffer from multiple physical and mental health concerns that may impact every organ in the body," says Kim Anderson, clinical director of the Eating Recovery Center in Colorado. Some of the negative physical and mental health outcomes that can occur as a result of the disorder include gastrointestinal issues, infertility, suicidal ideation, pubertal delay, anxiety, depression, anemia, skin issues, osteoporosis and heart conditions such as bradycardia.
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What percent of people in the U.S. suffer from anorexia?
Research shows that some 9% of the U.S. population, nearly 30 million Americans, have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. This percentage may be higher in certain age groups, however, "as we know that approximately 12% of adolescent girls have some form of an eating disorder," says Melissa Freizinger, associate director of the eating disorder program at Harvard Medical School.
Specifically for anorexia nervosa, studies show that around 4% of women and 0.3% of men suffer from the disorder, "but if you look at individuals who may not meet the full criteria of anorexia nervosa but may be engaging in some of the behaviors, the prevalence rate may be higher," says Freizinger.
And the rates are almost certainly underreported or underestimated for males, Aarnio-Peterson adds, "due to the stigma among men of both having a psychiatric condition and a primarily 'female-specific' diagnosis."
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Can you recover from anorexia?
Despite the seriousness of any mental health disorder, people with anorexia and their families have reason to be hopeful. "We know that early detection is a good predictor of positive outcomes for individuals with anorexia nervosa," says Aarnio-Peterson.
This early detection starts with friends or family members lovingly helping the individual get the help they need. This is most often accomplished in a non-judgmental and supportive way while emphasizing "that this is a disease and not their fault," says Aarnio-Peterson. Even with the best approach, however, many people with anorexia are not aware of the seriousness of their condition and may resist assistance. "Enlisting loved ones and professional support in this process can be very helpful," says Anderson.
Once the individual agrees to get help, adequate care should always include "medical monitoring, nutritional counseling, and some type of therapy," says Freizinger. Such care is best provided in person or at a treatment center, but if you live in an area where such care is not available, "there are also many great online options that people can access from all over the country and most of them take some type of insurance," Freizinger says. She names Equip Health and Within Health as two such options.
Treatment for anorexia always begins with a comprehensive and personalized assessment. Then, based on the results of the evaluation, "a treatment plan will be developed," says Anderson.
Regardless of which treatment path is recommended, "know that there is always hope for a full recovery from anorexia nervosa as most of the individuals who get help achieve long-term recovery," says Freizinger. At the same time, she says, it's important to keep in mind that recovery can be difficult and requires patience and understanding from all involved. "Celebrate all positive steps forward," she advises, "and do not be discouraged if there are setbacks and relapses along the way."
If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or eating concerns, you can call The National Alliance for Eating Disorders' clinician-run helpline from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. EST at [phone]. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please text 'ALLIANCE' to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.