Anorexia (also called anorexia nervosa) is an eating disorder where someone eats very little, is very fearful of gaining weight, and sees their body differently than others do. Treatment for anorexia can help you have a healthy weight, develop healthy habits, and change the way you think about food and your body.

Follow the care team's recommendations for: 

• your meal plan (A meal plan will tell you what you should eat in a day to stay healthy.)
• whether you need any medicines, nutritional supplements to increase calories, or vitamin supplements
• whether it's OK for you to exercise and what kinds of exercise you can do
• whether you should weigh yourself
• setting limits for social media use
• going to follow-up care visits

Help your overall well-being by: 

• getting enough sleep
• finding ways to manage stress and improve your mood. You might enjoy listening to music, drawing, dancing, writing in a journal, or talking to a friend. Yoga, meditation, or taking a couple of deep breaths also can help you relax.

You:

• are not following the meal plan
• lose more weight
• have any other concerns

You:

• feel lightheaded or dizzy, or if you faint
• are dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, or making less pee or darker than usual pee
• have trouble breathing, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat
• have a seizure
• are thinking about or planning to end your life

You can also call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

What causes anorexia? The exact cause of anorexia isn't clear. It probably happens from a combination of a genetic (inherited) tendency, psychological issues, and social pressure to be thin.

What are the symptoms of anorexia? People with anorexia have an extreme fear of weight gain. They try to eat as little as possible and might exercise too much or do other things to lose weight. They may become very thin. They may also feel cold or tired, have dizziness or fainting, hair loss, dry skin, and trouble concentrating. Girls may stop having periods. Without treatment, anorexia may lead to weak bones, anemia (not enough red blood cells), and life-threatening heart problems.

While more common in females, anorexia can affect males too.

How is anorexia treated? Anorexia is treated by a care team of specialists that includes doctors, behavioral health providers, and a dietitian. These experts work together to monitor the person's medical health, provide counseling, and make dietary recommendations.

Some people can be treated at home with close follow-up with the care team. Others may go to a special program during the day to get help. Some people need to stay in the hospital to make sure they get the treatment they need.