Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Excessive weight loss
- Obsession with food, calories, and fat content
- Dieting even when thin
- Intense fear of gaining weight, even when underweight
- Body dysmorphia—distorted self-image of being overweight despite evidence to the contrary
- Basing self-evaluation heavily on body weight or shape
- Loss of menstrual periods (secondary amenorrhea ) or delay in menarche (onset of periods)
- Excessive exercising
- Feeling cold, especially hands and feet
- Being secretive about food
- Hair loss and/or growth of fine hair on the body
- Fainting or severe light-headedness
- Constipation
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Heart palpitations
Anorexia often leads to a number of serious medical problems including:
- Amenorrhea (loss of periods)
- Osteoporosis
- Cardiac problems—can be fatal
Body Dysmorphia
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. There will also be psychological tests. There may be lab tests. Findings may include:
- Excessive loss of body fat
- Loss of muscle mass
- Low heart rate
- Low blood pressure, particularly when standing
- Decreased bone density
- Signs of sluggish metabolism
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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