They are obsessed with food and diets, talk about them constantly, and are aware of every morsel they eat. They may exercise compulsively to lose or maintain weight, even when they have an injury or are weak and exhausted. They have physical signs that starvation is slowing down the body's normal functions. Nails and hair become brittle, the skin becomes dry, and blood pressure declines. A poorly functioning thyroid results in a lowered body temperature.
Treatment begins with a physical examination to determine the patient's medical condition.
In some cases, hospitalization is necessary. More often, outpatient therapy is used, consisting of the combined help of a doctor, nutritionist, and psychotherapist to restore physical health and overcome distorted thinking about appearance and body image. Family and friends can provide important encouragement, and support groups are often helpful. This information is not a substitute for medical treatment. The McGraw-Hill Companies.