Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to extreme efforts to control weight and food intake. People with anorexia may severely restrict their food intake, engage in excessive exercise, purging, laxative/diuretic use, and may have a distorted body image, seeing themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight.

This disorder can have severe physical and emotional consequences, including organ damage, bone loss, heart problems, and disruptions in normal bodily functions. It often coexists with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Treatment typically involves a combination of medical care, nutritional counseling, and therapy to address underlying psychological issues. Family support and specialized interventions from healthcare professionals are crucial in helping individuals recover from anorexia nervosa and regain a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.