By Nelly 
Anorexia Nervosa is one of the major eating disorders commonly found among girls and women than boys and men. This condition is a life-threatening one, characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. However, the good news is that there are proven treatments you may adapt to overcome Anorexia Nervosa, but how long it will take you to fully recover will greatly depend on a number of factors.
This Lifestyle & Wellness guide will take you through these factors, highlighting the signs and symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa eating disorder, treatment plan, how long it will take to recover, and health consequences related to this condition.
What is Anorexia Nervosa eating disorder?
Anorexia Nervosa is a complex and serious eating disorder in which people avoid food, severely restrict food, or eat very small quantities of only certain foods, often to the point of malnutrition. Individuals with anorexia often see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight. As a result, they will severely limit calories, exercise excessively, or engage in other behaviors to lose weight.
In most cases, this eating disorder is driven by an intense desire for control over body shape and size, but it also reflects deeper psychological issues such as anxiety, perfectionism, and low self-esteem. If left untreated, anorexia can lead to severe physical health complications such as heart issues, organ failure, and even death, making early intervention crucial.
Signs and symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa eating disorder
Anorexia Nervosa in the long run will pose serious effects emotionally, physically, and socially. So, below are some of the signs you may get if you are having this eating disorder:
1. Physical symptoms
- Severe weight loss or being significantly underweight compared to peers
- Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting due to malnutrition.
- Hair thinning or loss, and growth of fine hair on the body.
- Cold intolerance, often feeling cold even in warm environments.
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea) in females.
- Brittle nails and dry, yellowish skin.
- Dehydration and swelling in the arms or legs.
2. Emotional symptoms:
- Intense fear of gaining weight, even when underweight.
- Distorted body image, seeing oneself as overweight despite being underweight.
- Preoccupation with food, dieting, and body size.
- Extreme perfectionism and a need for control.
- Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
3. Behavioral symptoms:
- Skipping meals or eating very small portions regularly
- Excessive exercise or compulsive behaviors to burn calories.
- Avoidance of eating in public or making excuses to avoid meals.
- Ritualistic eating behaviors, such as cutting food into tiny pieces or rearranging food on the plate.
- Frequent checking of weight or body measurements.
- Denial of hunger or refusal to maintain a healthy body weight.
Treatment and recovery of Anorexia Nervosa eating disorder
Treatment and recovery from Anorexia Nervosa involve a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach aimed at restoring physical health, addressing psychological factors, and helping individuals develop healthier relationships with food and body image. Let’s take a look at some of them below:
1. Ensure Medical stabilization
In severe cases, immediate medical care is necessary to address life-threatening health issues such as malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, or organ failure. This may involve hospitalization or inpatient treatment to monitor vital signs, rehydrate, and reintroduce nutrition in a controlled manner.
2. Get Nutritional therapy
Seek professional assistance from a recognized nutritionist or dietitian. A registered dietitian plays a crucial role in helping individuals develop a healthy and balanced eating plan. The goal is to gradually increase food intake, restore a healthy weight, and address any fears related to eating.
Nutritional therapy also involves education about the importance of proper nutrition and how to achieve it without fear or guilt.
3. Seek Psychotherapy support
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help individuals identify and challenge distorted thoughts about food, weight, and body image. Therapy focuses on addressing the root psychological causes of anorexia, such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, or a need for control. Other approaches, such as Family-Based Therapy (FBT), are effective for adolescents, involving family members in the recovery process to provide support.
How long does it take to recover from Anorexia Nervosa?
Recovery from an eating disorder is a gradual and ongoing process. Therefore, how long it will take you to recover from Anorexia Nervosa will depend on the type and severity of the disorder, your history, and the quality of treatment. But on average, expect to attain full recovery from Anorexia Nervosa eating disorder from 7 to 10 years, depending on the type of treatment administered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, recovery from Anorexia Nervosa can take months or years, and setbacks are common. However, with persistence, the right treatment plan, and a strong support system, you can recover from anorexia and live a healthier, more fulfilling life. You may also decide to take an Anorexia Nervosa diagnosis to check on the extent of the condition before seeking any treatment.