What is Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is a serious and complex eating disorder characterised by an intense fear of weight gain, a distorted body image, and restrictive eating behaviours. It is a mental illness with profound physical, psychological, and social impacts.

 Contrary to common misconceptions, anorexia is not a choice and does not always result in extreme thinness. It can affect people of all genders, body sizes, ages, and backgrounds. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, highlighting the critical need for early intervention and support.

Signs & Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

 Anorexia presents differently in each individual. While weight loss is a common symptom, it is not the only indicator, and many people with anorexia do not appear underweight. Recognising these signs early and seeking support can prevent serious long-term complications.

• Behavioural Signs

  • Severely restricting food intake, skipping meals, or following extreme dieting patterns.

  • Avoiding social situations involving food, making excuses to eat alone, or feeling anxious at mealtimes.

  • Developing rigid food rituals, such as cutting food into tiny pieces, eating slowly, or arranging food in a particular way.

  • Fixation on food, recipes, or cooking for others without eating themselves.

  • Excessive exercise to control weight, often despite exhaustion or injury.

  • Frequent weighing, body checking, or preoccupation with perceived flaws.

• Psychological & Emotional Signs

  • Intense fear of gaining weight, even when underweight or malnourished.

  • Distorted body image, with an inability to see one’s body accurately.

  • Rigid thinking about food and weight, including categorising foods as “good” or “bad.”

  • Extreme guilt, shame, or distress after eating.

  • Increased perfectionism, self-criticism, and need for control.

  • Withdrawal from family, friends, and activities once enjoyed.

• Physical Signs & Medical Risks

  • Severe weight loss or failure to meet expected growth milestones.

  • Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting due to low blood pressure and poor nutrition.

  • Hair thinning, brittle nails, dry skin, and lanugo (fine body hair).

  • Loss of menstrual cycle (amenorrhea) or hormonal imbalances.

  • Ongoing digestive issues, including bloating, constipation, and reflux.

  • Persistent feeling of being cold, even in warm environments.

Serious Risks & Health Complications

 The risks associated with Anorexia Nervosa are severe and can be life-threatening. Prolonged restriction and malnutrition impact every organ in the body, leading to long-term medical complications and, in some cases, sudden death. These risks include:

·       Anaemia (iron deficiency)

·       Weakened immune system, leading to frequent illnesses

·       Gastrointestinal problems, such as abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhoea

·       Loss or disturbance of menstruation, increasing the risk of infertility

·       Kidney failure, caused by chronic dehydration and electrolyte imbalances

·       Osteoporosis and brittle bones, leading to fractures and long-term mobility issues

·       Cardiac complications, including irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest

·       Increased risk of suicide and self-harm

·       Death, as a result of severe malnutrition, organ failure, or cardiac complications

Due to these serious health consequences, seeking professional support as early as possible is essential.

Psychological Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa

Treatment for anorexia is multi-faceted and requires a combination of medical, nutritional, and psychological support. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs.

Evidence-Based Psychological Therapies and Treatments for Anorexia Include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)

  A structured therapy that helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts about food, weight, and body image. CBT-E also focuses on improving emotional regulation and reducing rigid behaviours.

• Family-Based Treatment (FBT, also known as the Maudsley Method)

  Particularly effective for adolescents, FBT empowers families to take an active role in their loved one’s recovery. Parents and carers help restore regular eating patterns and provide crucial emotional support.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility, teaching them to tolerate discomfort and build a more values-based life.

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  DBT is particularly useful when anorexia occurs alongside emotional dysregulation or self-harm. It teaches coping skills to manage distress, impulsivity, and intense emotions

• Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM)

  A structured but flexible therapy that provides nutritional guidance and psychological support, focusing on improving quality of life and motivation for recovery.

Seeking Support & Treatment

Many people with anorexia struggle to acknowledge their illness or feel resistant to treatment. This is not a choice or a lack of willpower—it is a serious mental health condition that requires understanding, medical support, and ongoing care.

 If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of anorexia, seeking help early can prevent long-term complications and increase the chances of full recovery.

Treatment Approaches Include:

✔ Medical monitoring to assess physical health risks.

✔ Psychological therapy tailored to the individual’s needs.

✔ Nutritional support from dietitians to help restore balanced eating.

✔ Carer and family involvement to create a strong support system.

How The Togetherness Project Can Help

 At The Togetherness Project, we recognise that families and carers play a crucial role in recovery, yet they often feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or isolated.

 Our services provide:

💛 Carer education & guidance, helping families understand eating disorders and how to support their loved one.

💛 One-on-one coaching & support sessions, offering practical tools for carers navigating this journey.

💛 A family-inclusive approach, ensuring that carers feel equipped and supported while also maintaining their own wellbeing.

 We understand that every journey is unique, and recovery is not always linear. If you or someone you love is affected by anorexia, you are not alone—we are here to support you.