Signs of Anorexia Nervosa

Signs of anorexia nervosa can be physical, psychological and behavioural. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms.

Note: The presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate anorexia nervosa or any other eating disorder. Conversely, not all of these symptoms will necessarily be present in someone with anorexia nervosa.

Here are some of the physical symptoms of anorexia nervosa:

  • Weight loss
  • Weight of less than 85% of what is considered acceptable for height and age
  • Thin and emaciated appearance
  • Absence of menstrual cycle in women
  • Poor circulation
  • Cold hands and feet and lower body temperature
  • Lanugo, a layer of fine hairs covering the body to act as insulation
  • Brittle hair and nails, dry skin, hair loss from scalp
  • Hollow-looking eyes and pasty skin tone
  • Slow heart rate and low blood pressure
  • Weakness and tiredness, dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath
  • Malnutrition and dehydration
  • Digestive problems such as constipation and bloating
  • Stunted growth if anorexia occurs before or during adolescence
  • Impaired immune system
  • Anaemia
  • Swollen joints
  • Osteoporosis
  • Fertility problems

Here are some of the psychological symptoms of anorexia nervosa:

  • Depression and irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating and memory loss
  • Ignoring feelings of hunger
  • Concern about being overweight
  • Denial of being underweight
  • Distorted body image
  • Low-self-esteem
  • Fear of weight gain and being too fat
  • Preoccupation with food and calorie intake
  • Preoccupation with tidiness
  • Obsessing about exercising
  • Anxiety when eating in front of other people
  • Feeling that happiness is undeserved
  • Constantly striving for perfection
  • Strong urge to be in control

Here are some of the behavioural symptoms of anorexia nervosa:

  • Not eating
  • Only eating certain types of foods and counting calories
  • Wearing baggy clothing to disguise a thin frame
  • Frequently looking in the mirror and monitoring weight
  • Excessive exercising to burn off more calories
  • Binge eating
  • Purging, including self-induced vomiting, and/or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, diet pills or appetite suppressants
  • Fainting and dizzy spells
  • Preparing meals for others while refusing to eat meals with them
  • Eating or exercising in secret
  • Withdrawal from friends, family and social situations
  • Inflicting self-harm
  • Displaying controlling behaviour