What is Anorexia Nervosa
Understanding Anorexia. Signs and Patterns
Anorexia Nervosa, often simply called anorexia, is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and self-imposed starvation or extreme restriction of food.
People struggling with anorexia often equate their self-worth with their body shape or weight, leading to obsessive behaviors around eating, exercise, and appearance. Despite being underweight or malnourished, individuals with anorexia often perceive themselves as overweight.
At InnerLife Recovery, we provide specialized, compassionate care for those struggling with anorexia. Our multidisciplinary team supports clients in reclaiming their health, identity, and freedom from disordered eating.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Genetics and family history of eating disorders or mental health issues
- Personality traits such as perfectionism, high sensitivity, or low self-esteem
- Trauma, bullying, or abuse
- Pressure from sports, dance, modeling, or social media to maintain a certain body image
- Cultural or societal messages idealizing thinness
- Co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, or OCD
Online Self-Test
Understanding the signs of anorexia nervosa is the first step toward reclaiming control of your life. To support you on this journey, we’ve developed a free and confidential online self-assessment. This quick test can help you evaluate your eating habits and determine whether you may be facing a problem.
Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia
Physical Signs:
- Significant and rapid weight loss
- Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
- Feeling cold often due to low body fat
- Irregular or stopped menstrual cycles
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Digestive issues or constipation
- Dry skin or brittle nails
Behavioral & Emotional Symptoms:
- Obsessive calorie counting or food rituals
- Avoiding meals or lying about eating
- Excessive exercise, even when exhausted or injured
- Withdrawal from friends and social situations
- Extreme fear of gaining weight or being “fat”
- Denial of the seriousness of low body weight
- Perfectionism or high levels of self-criticism
Health Risks and Long-Term Consequences
Without proper treatment, anorexia can cause serious, irreversible damage to the body and mind. It has one of the highest mortality rates of any mental health condition.
Potential Health Complications:
- Death, often due to heart failure or suicide
- Heart problems (slow heart rate, arrhythmias)
- Loss of bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
- Infertility or hormonal imbalances
- Brain and organ damage
- Weakened immune system
- Electrolyte imbalances leading to heart failure
Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia can affect anyone, but it’s most common in adolescents and young adults, especially females. Those at higher risk often include people in appearance-focused environments like sports or modeling, individuals with a family history of eating disorders or mental health issues, and those who have experienced trauma, bullying, or body image pressures. Perfectionism and a strong need for control can also contribute to vulnerability.
Recovery from anorexia is possible with the right support. We provide personalised treatment programs that addresses both the physical health and underlying emotional struggles associated with the disorder.
Choose InnerLife Recovery Today
When you choose InnerLife Recovery, you’re choosing a team of professionals that’s fully invested in your long term recovery. We want what’s best for you and provide all the tools you need to beat your struggles by providing the best treatment for eating disorders.
In addition, our team possesses over 100 years of combined experience in addiction, mental health and eating disorders. Each individual works towards a common goal: your recovery. From licensed clinical psychologists, doctors and psychiatrists to therapists, yoga teachers, personal trainer and an excellent chef. Every member of our team will provide key skills and techniques that directly impact your recovery and improve your chances of long term success, both during your stay with us and beyond.
If you or a loved one are struggling with anorexia, you are not alone. Contact us today, we are here to support you.
Meet Our Team
Licensed therapists, doctors and experts in addiction recovery, and people who’ve been there, so we truly understand because we’ve lived it. Compassionate, experienced, and ready to help.
Our Rehab Center
Discover our exclusive rehab center in Marbella, Spain. View our accommodation, amenities, surroundings and see the healing environment we offer to help you overcome any type of addiction.
Programs & Costs
Our personalised programs with the highest success rate providing the best treatment for addiction. We offer a holistic approach, focusing on the root causes of addiction and healing your body, mind and spirit.
24/7 Admissions Line
Contact us today for a private and confidential consultation. We are here to support you. Learn more about how our exclusive rehab center in Spain can help you reclaim your Inner Life through our comprehensive and tailored treatments for addiction, mental health and eating disorders. Embrace a brighter future now with InnerLife Recovery.