Experiences a disturbance in the perception of one's body weight, size, or shape. Characteristics Anorexics often report feeling out of control. As they begin to diet, they begin to feel powerful and in control. They refuse to give up dieting because it is the source of such positive feelings. As the weight loss progresses, they become thin, emaciated and suffer from malnutrition, which weakens the body and dulls the mind.
Anorexics begin to develop a distorted view of their appearance.
In many cases, once their original weight loss goal has been achieved, they immediately set another, lower goal. Losing weight becomes the most important thing in the anorexic's life. Signs and symptoms These may vary, depending on the individual and the extent of the disorder. Eating rituals, such as cutting food into tiny pieces, measuring everything and only eating small amounts, pushing food around the plate without eating it, and eating only in private. Increased isolation from family and friends.