Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder affecting millions of people internationally. It is characterized by an acute fear of gaining weight or becoming larger in size. It causes body dysmorphia, which is when one compulsively focuses on a certain (perceived) flaw or fault within their physical (usually body) appearance. Those with anorexia usually take extreme measures to try and change their outward bodily appearance, such as maintaining incredibly restrictive dietary habits, starving themselves, or doing an excessive amount of exercise. 

Although anorexia focuses on the outward appearance, those with anorexia may experience severe psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression  and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It has been proven that over 68% of people with eating disorders have some form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. This stems from the fact that many people with anorexia experience an augmented sense of control by limiting and restricting the amount of food they eat, as well as their quantity of exercise. 

Many eating disorders have genetic components, and those with family members with a history of disordered eating are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. However, genetics is not the only determining factor, as there are also environmental and psychological factors that must be taken into account when determining and diagnosing conditions such as anorexia nervosa. 

It is important to remember that although anorexia is serious, there is treatment available that can help cure eating disorders like anorexia. Medication relating to the obsessive-compulsive portion of the disorder can be alleviated with medicine, and one can get back to their normal non-restrictive habits by implementing counseling and things like therapy. 

There is always help available, so if you or someone in your life is experiencing disordered eating or an eating disorder, it’s important to receive treatment as quickly as possible.