Poor or few interpersonal relationships can contribute as well. Anorexia Nervosa Extreme fear of obesity. Signs and Symptoms Significant weight loss in a rather short period of time. High energy level, despite body wasting. Dry, flaking, rough, and cracked skin resulting from malnutrition.
Appetite loss occurs eventually, but most anorexics continue to be hungry.
Pre-occupation with food and meal preparation. Constipation and stomach pain, often resulting from the abuse of laxatives. This almost always happens in females often even before significant weight loss occurs. Refusal to maintain an appropriate weight for age and height. The person feels fat even when they are very thin, which is a distorted body image.