Experts say that they key issue in anorexia nervosa is not food, but is more directly related to the person's desire for attention or approval. It is usually associated with some type of emotional stress or conflict, such as poor self-esteem or family problems. Anorexics may develop rituals for eating and exercising, their hands and feet may be cold and females may have irregular menstrual periods. As their bodies weaken, anorexics increasingly deny that a problem exists. If signs of this condition are noticed, a physician should be consulted.
Treatment is most effective shortly after the symptoms appear.
This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.